ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
APPROVED
UNIT MANAGEMENT PLAN
STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Division of Recreation and Parks
OCTOBER 17, 2000
David B. Struhs
Jeb Bush
Governor
Secret3.ry
January 10, 2001
Bry Anne White
Office of Park Planning
Division of Recreation and Parks
Mail Station #525
Dear Ms. White
Re: Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Lease N1:IInber2459
On October 17, 2000, the Office of Environmental Services, acting as agent for the Board of
Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, approved the subject managementplan.
Pursuant to Section 253.034 and 259.032, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 18-2, Florida
Administrative Code the plan's five year update will be due in October, 2005.
Approval of this land managementplan does not waive the authority or jurisdiction of any
governmental entity that may have an interest in this project. Implementation of any upland
activities proposed by this managementplan may require a permit or other authorization from
federal and state agencies having regulatory jurisdiction over those particular activities. Please
forward copies of all permits to this office upon issuance.
Sincerely,
{!uL
~
Callie DeHaven
Operations and Management
Office
of Environmental
Division
Consultant
II
Services
of State Lands
..Protect,Conserveand Manage Florida'sEnvironmentand Natural Resources'
Printed on recycled poper.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF PLAN
1
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW
4
Management Authority And Responsibility
4
Park Goals And Objectives
5
Management Coordination
6
Public Participation
7
Other Designations
7
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMPONENT
INTRODUCTION
9
RESOURCE DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT
9
Natural Resources
9
Cultural Resources
27
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
30
Special Management Considerations
30
Management Needs And Problems
32
Management Objectives
34
Management Measures For Natural Resources
36
Management Measures For Cultural Resources
40
Research Needs
41
Resource Management Schedule
42
Land Management Review
42
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LAND USE COMPONENT
INTRODUCTION
43
EXTERNAL CONDITIONS
43
Existing Use Of Adjacent Lands
43
Planned Use Of Adjacent Lands
44
PROPERTY ANALYSIS
44
Recreation Resource Elements
44
Assessment Of Use
45
CONCEPTUAL LAND USE PLAN
48
Potential Uses And Proposed Facilities
50
Facilities Development
53
Existing Use And Optimum Carrying Capacity
53
Optimum Boundary
53
TABLE
TABLE 1 - Existing Use And Optimum Carrying Capacity
53
LIST OF ADDENDA
ADDENDUM 1
Acquisition History and
Lease Agreement Number 2459
A 1 - 1
ADDENDUM 2
References Cited
A 2 - 1
ADDENDUM 3
Soil Descriptions
A 3 - 1
ADDENDUM 4
Natural Community Descriptions
A 4 - 1
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ADDENDUM 5
Plant And Animal List
A 5 - 1
ADDENDUM 6
Designated Species List
A 6 - 1
ADDENDUM 7
Florida Master Site File
List of Cutlutal Sites
A 7 - 1
ADDENDUM 8
Timber Management Analysis
A 8 - 1
ADDENDUM 9
Cultural Management Statement
Department of State
Division of Historical Resources
A 9 - 1
ADDENDUM 10
Priority Schedule and Cost Estimates
A 10 - 1
ADDENDUM 11
Land Mangement Review Report with
DRP Responses
A 11 - 1
MAPS
Location Map
2
Vicinity Map
3
Topographic Map
11
Soils Map
13
Natural Communities Map
20
Burn Zone Map
38
Base Map
46
Conceptual Land Use Plan
49
Optimum Boundary Map
55
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INTRODUCTION
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is located in Suwannee and Columbia Counties (see
Location Map) about five miles northwest of Fort White. Access to the park is from
County Road 238 at the north entrance or U.S. Highway 27 at the south entrance (see
Vicinity Map).
At Ichetucknee Springs State Park, public outdoor recreation is the designated single
use of the property (see Addendum 1). There are no legislative or executive directives
that constrain the use of this property.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE PLAN
This plan serves as the basic statement of policy and direction for the management of
Ichetucknee Springs State Park as a unit of Florida's state park system. It identifies the
objectives, criteria and standards that guide each aspect of park administration, and sets
forth the specific measures that will be implemented to meet management objectives.
The plan is intended to meet the requirements of Sections 253.034 and 259.032, Florida
Statutes, Chapter 18-2, Florida Administrative Code, and intended to be consistent with
the State Lands Management Plan. All development and resource alteration
encompassed in this plan is subject to the granting of appropriate permits; easements,
licenses, and other required legal instruments. Approval of the management plan does
not constitute an exemption from complying with the appropriate local, state, or federal
agencies. This plan is also intended to meet the requirements for beach and shore
preservation, as defined in Chapter 161, Florida Statutes, and Chapters 62B-33, 62B-36
and 62R-49, Florida Administrative Code.
The plan consists of two interrelated components. Each component corresponds to a
particular aspect of the administration of the park. The resource management
component provides a detailed inventory and assessment of the natural and cultural
resources of the park. Resource management problems and needs are identified, and
specific management objectives are established for each resource type. This component
provides guidance on the application of such measures as prescribed burning, exotic
species removal, and restoration of natural conditions.
The land use component is the recreational resource allocation plan for the unit. Based
on considerations such as access, population, and adjacent land uses, an optimum
allocation of the physical space of the park is made, locating use areas and proposing
types of facilities and volume of use to be provided.
In the development of this plan, the potential of the park to accommodate secondary
management purposes (“multiple uses”) was analyzed. These secondary purposes were
considered within the context of the Division’s statutory responsibilities and an analysis
of the resource needs and values of the park. This analysis considered the park natural
and cultural resources, management needs, aesthetic values, visitation, and visitor
experiences. For this park, it was determined that timber management activities could
be accommodated in a manner that would be compatible and not interfere with the
primary purpose of resource-based outdoor recreation and conservation. This
compatible secondary management purpose is addressed in the Resource Management
Component of the plan.
1
Uses such as, water resource development projects, water supply projects, stormwater
management projects, linear facilities and sustainable agriculture and forestry (other
than those forest management activities specifically identified in this plan) are not
consistent with this plan or the management purposes of the park and should be
discouraged.
The potential for generating revenue to enhance management was also analyzed.
Visitor fees and charges are the principal source of revenue generated by the park. It
was determined that timber management would be appropriate at this park as a means of
supplementing revenue for resource management since it is compatible with the park’s
primary purpose of resource-based outdoor recreation and conservation.
The use of private land managers to facilitate restoration and management of this unit
was also analyzed. Decisions regarding this type of management (such as outsourcing,
contracting with the private sector, use of volunteers, etc.) will be made on a case-bycase basis as necessity dictates.
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Management Authority and Responsibility
In accordance with Chapter 258, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 62D-2, Florida
Administrative Code, the Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) is charged with the
responsibility of developing and operating Florida's recreation and parks system. These
are administered in accordance with the following policy:
It shall be the policy of the Division of Recreation and Parks to promote the state
park system for the use, enjoyment, and benefit of the people of Florida and
visitors; to acquire typical portions of the original domain of the state which will
be accessible to all of the people, and of such character as to emblemize the state's
natural values; conserve these natural values for all time; administer the
development, use and maintenance of these lands and render such public service
in so doing, in such a manner as to enable the people of Florida and visitors to
enjoy these values without depleting them; to contribute materially to the
development of a strong mental, moral, and physical fiber in the people; to
provide for perpetual preservation of historic sites and memorials of statewide
significance and interpretation of their history to the people; to contribute to the
tourist appeal of Florida.
The Trustees have also granted management authority of certain sovereign submerged
lands to the DRP under Management Agreement MA 68-086 (as amended January 19,
1988). The management area includes a 400-foot zone from the edge of mean high
water where a park boundary borders sovereign submerged lands fronting beaches,
bays, estuarine areas, rivers or streams. Where emergent wetland vegetation exists, the
zone extends waterward 400 feet beyond the vegetation. The agreement is intended to
provide additional protection to resources of the park and nearshore areas and to
provide authority to manage activities that could adversely impact public recreational
uses.
In the management of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, a balance is sought between the
goals of maintaining and enhancing natural conditions and providing various
recreational opportunities. Natural resource management activities are aimed at
management of natural systems. Development in the park is directed toward providing
public access to and within the park, and to providing recreational facilities, in a
4
reasonable balance, that are both convenient and safe. Program emphasis is on
interpretation on the park's natural, aesthetic, and educational attributes.
Park Goals and Objectives
1. Identify, preserve, protect, and restore natural resources.
A. Support ongoing efforts to monitor surface and ground waters that are threatened
by contaminants; Division and park staff should continue working with the
Ichetucknee Springs Water Quality Working Group to seek funding for
additional research and dye trace studies to determine the sources of the
Ichetucknee River.
B. Continue monitoring aquatic vegetation in the river to document impacts from
recreational uses and to measure success of carrying capacity restrictions.
C. Continue to remove 20th century debris that was placed in the Headspring vent;
restore natural flow patterns to the extent possible without disturbing the context
of archaeological and historical resources.
D. Continue the aggressive prescribed fire program to restore and maintain the fireadapted natural communities of the park; continue restoration of upland pine
forest through mechanical and chemical removal of offsite species.
E. Maintain maps of exotic plant infestations, develop an exotic plant control plan,
and seek funding for exotic plant control.
Abandon and remove unnecessary roads and unauthorized trails; block and
revegetate abandoned roads as necessary to reduce erosion along the banks of
the river and restore natural communities.
F. Conduct additional research on the flora of the park, fauna, natural communities,
water resources, and land use history.
G. Monitor and protect designated species within and adjacent to the park and track
visitor use impacts on designated or declining species including gopher tortoises,
eastern indigo snakes, southeastern kestrels, Ichetucknee siltsnail, and
Bachman’s sparrow.
H. Evaluate potential effects on sensitive natural resources when considering
locations for future facilities in the park.
I. Pursue adequate funding for resource management activities in the park.
2. Identify, preserve, protect, and restore cultural resources.
A. Pursue funding for Level I and Level II cultural resources surveys.
B. Enlist assistance of the CARL Archaeological Survey in protection and survey of
cultural resources.
C. Expand the cultural resource information gathering, filing, and retrieval routines;
Develop visitation and monitoring routines; document and monitor sites by
establishing and use of photopoints.
D. Evaluate potential effects on sensitive cultural resources when considering
locations for future facilities in the park and when planning natural community
restoration projects.
5
3. Provide safe, appropriate, quality, outdoor recreational opportunities for park
visitors.
A. Design park facilities to more appropriately manage, channel and facilitate visitor
use of park property; Ensure enforcement of carrying capacities on the river.
B. Continue the development and implementation of an interpretive sign and
exhibits program to improve accessibility; continue to improve on-going
interpretative programs.
C. Pursue adequate funding to make renovation, or replacement of aging and
deteriorated park facilities possible, in a timely manner.
D. Pursue adequate operational funding to ensure that corrective maintenance,
visitor protection, and visitor service are possible.
E. Pursue funding for upgrades to assure compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
F. Conduct routine safety inspections of facilities and public areas and correct
deficiencies as needed.
G. Pursue funding for corrective maintenance projects of existing facilities pursue
funding of new recreational facilities consistent with this plan.
Assure compliance with state and federal safety guidelines for: use and disposal
of hazardous waste, bloodborne pathogens policy, hazardous communications
plans, safety training and development of Park Protection Plans as required by
the Florida Park Service Operations Procedures Manual.
4. Monitor activities outside park that may impact parklands and maintain public
awareness of park resource management needs.
A. Monitor land use changes and permitting activities within Ichetucknee State Park
greenline; staff will review and provide comments when necessary for any
SRWMD and FDEP District permit applications that may affect the park; staff
will also monitor local county zoning issues to the extent practical; staff will
coordinate responses with other branches of FDEP when necessary.
B. Monitor surface and groundwater resources and report unauthorized waste
dumping and pollution to appropriate governmental agencies.
C. Maintain an active public relations program to increase public awareness of and
support for the resource management objectives of the park.
D. Continue support and participation in the Ichetucknee Springs Water Quality
Working Group.
Management Coordination
The park is managed in accordance with all applicable Florida Statutes and
administrative rules. Agencies having a major or direct role in the management of the
park are discussed in this plan.
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry (DOF),
assists park staff in the development of wildfire emergency plans and furnishes permits
required for prescribed burning. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FFWCC), assists staff in the enforcement of state laws pertaining to
6
wildlife, freshwater fish and other aquatic life existing within park boundaries. In
addition, the FFWCC aids the Division of Recreation and Parks with wildlife
management programs, including the development and management of Watchable
Wildlife programs. The Department of State, Division of Historical Resources (DHR)
assists staff to assure protection of archaeological and historical sites. The Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas
(CAMA) aids staff in aquatic preserves management programs. The DEP, Bureau of
Beaches and Coastal Systems aids staff in planning and construction activities seaward
of the Coastal Construction Line. In addition, the Bureau of Beaches and Coastal
Systems aids the staff in the development of erosion control projects. Emphasis is
placed on protection of existing resources as well as the promotion of compatible
outdoor recreational uses.
Public Participation
An initial public workshop for the park was held on June 10, 1999. A second public
workshop conducted on October 18, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. (EDT). The purpose of this
meeting was to present the management plan to the public.
A DEP Advisory Group meeting was held on October 19, 1999, at 9:00 a.m. (EDT).
The purpose of this meeting was to provide the Advisory Group members a forum in
which to discuss the current management plan.
Other Designations
Ichetucknee Springs State Park has not been designated as an area of critical State
concern as defined in section 380.05, Florida Statutes. Currently it is not under study
for such designation. Ichetucknee Springs is designated as a State Natural Feature Site
and a National Natural Landmark.
All waters within the unit have been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters,
pursuant to Chapter 62-302 Florida Administrative Code. Surface waters in this unit are
also classified as Class III waters by DEP. This unit is not designated as an aquatic
preserve under provision of the Florida Aquatic Preserve Act of 1975 (section 258.35,
Florida Statutes).
Several other significant land and water resources exist near the preserve. They
include: O’Leno State Park, River Rise State Preserve, Sims Sink, Lower Santa Fe
Conservation Area, Ratcliffe Tract, Stuarts Landing Conservation Area, Little River
Conservation Area, Troy Springs State Recreation Area, Troy Springs Conservation
Area, Grady Conservation Area, Hatchbend Conservation Area, Peacock Springs State
Recreation Area, Peacock Springs Conservation Area, Davidson Ranch, and Osceola
National Forest.
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8
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMPONENT
INTRODUCTION
The Division of Recreation and Parks has implemented resource management programs
for preserving for all time the representative examples of natural and cultural resources
of statewide significance under its administration. This component of the unit plan
describes the natural and cultural resources of the park and identifies the methods that
will be used to manage them. The stated management measures in this plan are
consistent with the Department’s overall mission in ecosystem management. Cited
references are contained in Addendum 2.
The Division’s philosophy of resource management is natural systems management.
Primary emphasis is on restoring and maintaining, to the degree practicable, the natural
processes that shape the structure, function and species composition of Florida’s diverse
natural communities as they occurred in the original domain. Single species
management may be implemented when the recovery or persistence of a species is
problematic provided it is compatible with natural systems management.
The management goal of cultural resources is to preserve sites and objects that represent
all of Florida’s cultural periods as well as significant historic events or persons. This
goal may entail active measures to stabilize, reconstruct or restore resources, or to
rehabilitate them for appropriate public use.
Because park units are often components of larger ecosystems, their proper
management is often affected by conditions and occurrences beyond park boundaries.
Ecosystem management is implemented through a greenline program (to delineate areas
of park concern in an ecosystem context), a resource management evaluation program
(to assess resource conditions, evaluate management activities, and refine management
objectives), review of local comprehensive plans, and review of permit applications for
RESOURCE DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT
Natural Resources
Topography
Ichetucknee Springs State Park lies in the physiographic region called the Gulf Coastal
Lowlands, which is characterized by karst topography and elevations less than 100 feet
above mean sea level (msl). The adjacent Northern Highlands physiographic region
occurs north of the Gulf Coastal Lowlands and is typified by karst terrain and elevations
higher than 90 to 100 feet above msl. The Ichetucknee Trace occurs north of the Park
in the southern portion of the Northern Highlands physiographic region. Elevations
within the Trace vary from 35 to 50 feet above msl. The Trace terminates at a
topographic break known as the Cody Escarpment, which divides the Northern
Highlands from the Gulf Coastal Lowlands (Puri and Vernon 1964). As is true of all
erosional escarpments, the Cody Escarpment is migrating backwards, retreating
upgradient, as erosion carves through the semi-consolidated materials of the highlands.
These topographic features profoundly affect the hydrology of the region. Upon the
higher surfaces of the Northern Highlands are well-organized streams and scattered
sinkholes. Below the highlands, there are no organized stream patterns, and all drainage
9
is internal to the karst features.
Elevations within ISSP range from less than 20 feet (msl) along the floodplain to over
60 feet (msl) in the southeastern corner (see Topographic Map). Slopes are gradual in
some areas, abrupt in others. Limestone outcrops are common, particularly along the
upper edge of the floodplain and much of the riverbank. Noticeable alterations to the
landscape include roads, tramways, and multiple phosphate pits and settling ponds.
The phosphate mining operations at Ichetucknee Springs occurred in two phases and
had a major effect on the topographic features of the park. In the first phase during the
phosphate boom era of the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Dutton Phosphate Company
opened the majority of the phosphate pits on the property and extracted hard rock
phosphate. Most of the extraction was by hand and the ore was transported to Fort
White or High Springs via narrow gauge rail cars on the numerous tram roads that were
constructed in the region (Doig 1992). Although Loncala Phosphate, Inc. acquired the
property in the 1920s, they did not extract additional phosphate until the 1950s when
they reopened the old pits and scraped them to reclaim colloidal phosphate residues. It
was at this time that the settling or “slime” ponds were constructed (Doig 1992).
Geology
Geological formations are divided into both lithologic and hydrologic units in the
Florida carbonate platform because aquifers cut across formational boundaries. The
limestone that is exposed in the park is the Ocala Group Limestone of Eocene age. This
formation is approximately 40 million years old. Regionally, three other formations of
Eocene age lie beneath the Ocala Group. From youngest to oldest, these are the Avon
Park Limestone, Lake City Limestone and Oldsmar Limestone. A Paleocene deposit,
the Cedar Keys Limestone, occurs below those Eocene formations.
Ordinarily, formations more recent than the Ocala Group such as Suwannee Limestone
of Oligocene age and the Hawthorn Formation of Miocene age would overlie the Ocala
Group, but these were either never deposited here or have completely eroded over time.
Miocene deposits are carbonate, with minor siliciclastics, while younger formations are
largely siliciclastics with minor discontinuous carbonate lenses. Miocene-aged
siliciclastic rocks make up the Hawthorn Formation, which acts as the confining unit for
the Floridan aquifer. The Miocene and younger sediments have been removed by
erosion from much of the western half of north central Florida, and thus in that portion
of the state the Floridan aquifer is unconfined. The erosional edge of the Hawthorn
Formation, also known as the Cody Escarpment, is near the Ichetucknee River. The
Cody Escarpment is a major influence on the geology of the region and represents the
boundary between the confined and unconfined Floridan aquifer.
The Ichetucknee Trace occurs within the Northern Highlands and is an area of active
10
karst solution. Within the Trace, multiple creeks flow underground in the form of
confluent insurgence. These sinking points convey carbon dioxide enriched waters
through conduits into the top layers of the Ocala Group Limestone. A meandering
surface feature, the Trace runs north-northeast from the Headspring area to the Rose
Creek Sink. The Ichetucknee Trace may represent the path of the underground flow
that feeds the Ichetucknee River. The Trace may also delineate a previous surface flow
of the Ichetucknee before the time the river began to flow underground. It is also
possible that the Trace represents a deep conduit system that has collapsed. Regardless
of its geomorphology, the Trace is a zone of increased permeability, and carries a high
vulnerability and high recharge classification.
The only major disturbance of the geological formations of the park was the extraction
of phosphate. Just outside the park, there is active limestone mining. Three miles west
of the park is a quarry that may become the site of a cement manufacturing facility.
Although current levels of limestone extraction at this quarry are not likely to impact
resources at the park, increased mining to supply the proposed cement manufacturing
facility may impact regional ground water. Also of concern is a mining operation
located north of the park in the Ichetucknee Trace. Although no significant reduction in
the water quality of the springs has yet been seen, mining operations in the Trace risk
severing a major conduit system, which could have a devastating effect on the water
clarity of springs associated with that conduit system.
Soils
Nine soil types are mapped within the Columbia County portion of the park (Howell
1984) and six types are mapped within the Suwannee County portion (Houston 1965).
Although the soils on either side of the county line are mapped using slightly different
names, they are in fact the same soil types (see Soils Map). Soils range from
excessively well-drained sands in the sandhills to poorly drained alluvial soils in the
floodplain and mine tailings adjacent to phosphate pits. Detailed soil descriptions are
contained in Addendum 3.
Historical soil disturbances at the park are primarily restricted to the phosphate mining
areas and include many deep mine pits and several elevated tram roads.
More recently, foot traffic from recreational users has impacted the park. Many of the
park limestone bluffs, particularly those at the river’s edge, have been elaborately
sculptured by flowing water and upland runoff. Many of these bluffs, such as Devil’s
Den, are attractive resting areas for recreational users of the river. Unfortunately, the
resulting foot traffic causes increased erosion of the bluffs and may damage the delicate
limestone formations. Foot traffic also damages the vegetation that clings to the
calcareous soils of the unstable bluffs. Management activities will follow generally
accepted best management practices to prevent further soil erosion and conserve soil
and water resources on site.
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Minerals
Phosphate mining occurred on uplands along the Ichetucknee River prior to the
property’s acquisition by the state in 1970. Hard rock phosphate was extracted during
the phosphate boom era of the late 1800s. Subsequent phosphate operations in the area
reprocessed some of the residues from the original operations. It is likely that
phosphate deposits still remain within the park, but the economic value of the deposits
is unknown.
Hydrology
The Ichetucknee River groundwater basin covers an estimated 620 square miles in north
central Florida, with Lake City at its center (Hunn and Slack 1983). Many small
cypress and bay dominated wetlands exist at 98 to 190 feet (30 to 58 m) above mean sea
level (msl) in the northeast region of the basin, which contains the Osceola National
Forest. These wetlands are drained to the west by tributaries of the Suwannee River and
to the south by sinking streams that disappear in sinkholes. The underground streams
thus formed eventually resurface northwest of Fort White, where more than 15 named
and unnamed springs combine to produce the base flow of the Ichetucknee River. The
park encompasses about 3.5 miles of the Ichetucknee River, which is about half its total
length before it empties into the Santa Fe River near its confluence with the Suwannee
River.
There are eight named springs or spring groupings and numerous other smaller,
unnamed seeps and boils within the park. In order of appearance along the river, the
named springs include: the Ichetucknee Spring or the Headspring, Cedar Head Spring,
Blue Hole Spring, Mission Springs Group, Devil’s Eye, Grassy Hole Spring, Mill Pond
Spring, and Coffee Spring.
The Ichetucknee Headspring forms a 75 feet (22.9 m) by 105 feet (32m) pool. Depth of
the pool was increased from 14 feet to about 30 feet between 1996 and 1999 due to
restoration efforts that have removed 46 cubic yards of concrete, rubble, and scrap
metals debris; 1,596 five-gallon buckets of sand, gravel and other sediments; and 266
gallons of trash that had been deposited in the spring prior to state purchase of the site.
Cedar Head Spring, located approximately 1000 feet (305 m) southeast of the
Ichetucknee Headspring, forms a pool 30 feet (9.1 m) by 60 feet (18.3 m) in size. It
discharges to the south through an 1100 foot run that flows into the Blue Hole Spring.
Blue Hole Spring, also known as Jug Spring, joins the river on the east side about 1800
feet below the Headspring. It forms a pool about 85 feet by 125 feet in size, and has a
powerfully flowing vent that opens at a depth of about seven feet. The vent continues
down to a depth of 32 feet, where it extends horizontally into a cavern and cave system.
Mission Springs Group encompasses a series of springs that include Roaring and
Singing Springs; these are located about 1500 feet below Blue Hole Spring on the east
side of the river. These springs discharge from the bases of rock ledges located east of
14
the river as far as 250 feet. Flows pass through two short spring runs that join the
mainstream, encircling a rocky island enroute. An additional vent included in this
group is located slightly to the south and discharges from the river channel floor.
Devil’s Eye Spring, also called Boiling Spring, is located about 850 feet south of the
Mission Springs Group on the west side of the river. It consists of a 60 feet by 120 feet
head pool, with a 30 foot run to the river. Grassy Hole Spring is located 1350 feet
downstream from Devil’s Eye Spring on the east side of the river. It emerges from
several small, shallow vents and then flows about 120 feet into the Grassy Flats area of
the river.
Located about 800 feet downstream from Grassy Hole on the east side of the river, Mill
Pond Spring vents into a shallow pool about 50 feet by 100 feet in size. Its discharge
flows southwestward along a 500 foot run to the river.
The last named, significant spring on the river, Coffee Spring, is located about one mile
downstream from Mill Pond Spring on the west side of the river. It discharges from the
base of a rock outcrop situated about 30 to 50 feet from the river and trickles over a
rock ledge directly into the river. Minor springs and seeps along the river bottom
contribute approximately 19 percent of the total river flow (Skiles et al. 1991).
Water monitoring. State and federal agencies have collected water quality data and
water level data for surface water and groundwater resources of the Ichetucknee River
since 1917 (Rosenau et al., 1977). Until the 1990s, most of these data were collected at
infrequent intervals and rarely published. From 1917 to the 1980s, the U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) collected the river stage data at the Highway 27 bridge over the
Ichetucknee River. Since the 1980s, river stage data have been collected by the
SRWMD and sporadic USGS surveys. The minimum recorded flow was 240 ft3/sec
(6.8 m3/sec) on January 28, 1958, and the maximum was 579 ft3/sec (16 m3/sec) on
April 29, 1948. Flows which greatly exceeded the 364 ft3/sec (10.3 m3/sec) average
flow (n=400) were caused by back-flooding from the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers.
The Ichetucknee River is perhaps the pristine waterway in the United States. Although
the alkaline, highly buffered water in the Ichetucknee River is typical of many of
Florida’s spring fed streams (Bass and Cox 1985, Canfield and Hoyer 1988), the extent
to which the river has been unimpacted by pollutants is unusual. While many of the
springs on the nearby Suwannee River have experienced alarming increases in nutrient
concentrations, particularly nitrates, there has been little change in the high quality of
water emerging from springs in the Ichetucknee River. Water quality measurements
were first collected on the Ichetucknee in the 1940s.
The color of water in an aquatic system is important because it can reduce light
penetration and limit the primary productivity and maximum depth of colonization of
aquatic plants. Water color ranges from zero platinum cobalt units in the clearest
springs to 500 units in extensive swamps (Kaufman 1975). Increased color is generally
associated with decayed organic matter in the watershed. Very few springs match the
15
clarity of the Ichetucknee River, which owes its color value to a direct connection with
the extensive Floridan aquifer.
In 1995, concern about the future quality of the Ichetucknee’s spring water led to
formation of the Ichetucknee Springs Water Quality Working Group. The working
group is composed of federal, state, regional, and local agencies that have
responsibilities in, or knowledge about, the Ichetucknee Basin. Other member
stakeholders include local citizens, private landowners, educators, businesses, and
conservation organizations. The working group has been gathering information about
the springs and about the Ichetucknee Trace from past studies, new research and
interviews to help discover the origins of the spring waters and to recognize and define
threats to water quality.The working group has been instrumental in coordinating dye
and geochemical tracing studies that have proven that Rose Sink, located six miles north
of the park, is hydrologically connected to the springs at Ichetucknee (Hirth 1995;
Skiles and Butt 1998, personal communication). The waters of ten-mile-long Rose
Creek, which discharges into Rose Sink reappear in the Ichetucknee springs. The
working group believes that the waters of Alligator Lake, Cannon Creek, and Clayhole
Creek, which drain into sinkholes, also flow through a complex subterranean
cave/conduit system that connects with the Ichetucknee. These creeks receive untreated
stormwater run-off from urban and agricultural areas in the basin. Untreated
stormwater run-off is often contaminated with fertilizers, pesticides, coliform bacteria,
gasoline, sediments, and other pollutants. The sources of these pollutants include
lawns, highways, septic tanks, gasoline tanks, pastures, croplands, and golf courses.
Park staff in conjunction with the Ichetucknee Springs Water Quality Working Group
have initiated an extensive public education program to inform residents throughout the
Ichetucknee Trace of the importance of protecting the creeks and sinkholes from
dumping. Actions taken have included meetings with landowners, informational
mailings, and cleanup events in area sinkholes.
The working group and the Office of Ecosystem Management combined to initiate a
program for monitoring water, sediments, and fish tissue from springs and sinkholes in
the basin. Contaminants that the FDEP investigates include nitrates in the spring water,
pesticides in the fish in the river, hydrocarbons in the sediments in sinkholes, and
coliform bacteria in creeks. Results of these studies indicate that the aquatic
environments in the park are still in excellent condition (FDEP 1996).
Macroinvertebrate communities in the Ichetucknee River, when compared with those
found in other undisturbed Floridan aquifer-fed streams, indicate that healthy conditions
currently prevail. Data suggest that human activities in the recharge area of the springs
have not negatively affected invertebrate communities (FDEP 1997). Likewise, the
decrease in physical disruption of aquatic habitat, resulting from the establishment of
daily limits on the number of recreational users of the river, may have had a beneficial
effect on the invertebrate community since the park was acquired by the state in 1970.
16
Ichetucknee River Discharge Measurements (Skiles et al 1991)
Location
Ft3 / Sec.
Gal./Min.
Mil.Gal./Day
42
10
59
111
18,867
4,566
26,668
50,102
27
6
38
72
Mission Group *
Below Mission
Devil’s Eye
Grassy Hole
Mill Pond
91
202
40
3
20
41,025
91,128
18,019
1,488
9,035
59
131
26
2
13
Springs Subtotal
266
119,672
172
River at 27 Bridge
Other Flows *
327
61
147,117
27,445
211
39
Headspring
Cedar Head
Blue Hole *
Trestle Point
(cumulative total of above three springs)
* Calculated
Water Quality Parameters Measured In The Ichetucknee River
Date of Collection
May 171
April 21
May2
April 183
Nutrient (mg/L)
1946
1975
1985
1996
Nitrate+Nitrite
Total Phosphorous
Calcium (Ca)
Sulfate (SO4)
Color (platinum cobalt unit)
Suspended Solids
pH
1.0
-58
8.4
0
-7.7
0.37
0.05
52
6.9
1
0
7.6
0.43
0.04
--0
0.1
7.9
0.68
0.03
------
1 (Rosenau et al. 1977), 2 (Canfield and Hoyer 1988)
3 (FDEP 1996)
Daily limits on the number of recreational users, also known as carrying capacities, are
have not negatively affected invertebrate communities (FDEP 1997). Likewise, the
decrease in physical disruption of aquatic habitat, resulting from the establishment of
daily limits on the number of recreational users of the river, may have had a beneficial
effect on the invertebrate community since the park was acquired by the state in 1970.
Daily limits on the number of recreational users, also known as carrying capacities, are
set at 750 for the Upper tube launch, and 2250 for the Midpoint tube launch; an
unlimited number of tubers may enter the river at the Dampier’s Landing tube launch.
These limits were established on the basis of studies which evaluated the kinds and
amounts of damage that swimming, canoeing, diving, and tubing had on the aquatic
17
communities (DuToit 1979)(MacLaren and Younker 1989). As part of an ongoing
monitoring program, Park Service biologists measure aquatic vegetative cover in the
Ichetucknee River before (spring) and after (fall) the intensive visitor use season.
Initially, in 1989, fifteen permanent transects were established between Ichetucknee
Spring and the lower take-out point. Another transect was added in 1992, but three
were lost between 1994 and 1998 due to tree falls. In 1999 four transects were added
bringing the total to 17. The current distribution of the transects is as follows: five in
the river’s upper section from the Ichetucknee Headspring to Midpoint; five in the
middle section from Midpoint to Dampier’s Landing; and seven downstream of
Dampier’s Landing. River carrying capacities are judged adequate if vegetation
coverage at the various transects remains at approximately the same level each year.
Data show that between 1989 and 1997, visitor use did not exceed the ability of the
vegetation in the river to recover following each season of heavy use. For the upper,
middle, and lower sections, vegetation coverage has ranged between 37 percent and 68
percent, depending on the location, without drastic fluctuations from year to year.
Seasonal trends on the river have been well-documented, but long-term trends have also
become apparent as the river transect study enters its second decade. Since 1989, the
vegetation cover data show that water milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) has
dramatically decreased in the middle and lower reaches of the river. The causes of this
trend are unknown, but continued monitoring may provide additional information.
Extreme climatic conditions should warrant temporary adjustment to the carrying
capacities. Tuber damage to submersed plants is acute during years with extreme low
water levels. To avoid accelerated damage during such years, it may be necessary to
reduce carrying capacities in the shallow portion of the river from the Headspring to
midpoint.
The following year after extreme flood events, coverage of emergent aquatic vegetation
is reduced in the grassy flats area. When this happens, the deep channel is difficult to
locate, and tubers are often unable to remain within the deeper portions of the river.
Extensive amounts of sediment may be released into the water column as tubers walk
through shallow areas to return to the channel. Under these conditions, it may be
necessary for park staff to install temporary markers so that the deep channel is easily
located.
Natural Communities
The system of classifying natural communities employed in this plan was developed by
the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). The premise of this system is that physical
factors, such as climate, geology, soil, hydrology and fire frequency generally
determine the species composition of an area, and that areas which are similar with
respect to these factors will tend to have natural communities with similar species
compositions. Obvious differences in species composition can occur, despite similar
physical conditions. In other instances, physical factors are substantially different, yet
the species compositions are quite similar. For example, coastal strand and scrub--two
communities with similar species compositions--generally have quite different climatic
18
environments, and these necessitate different management programs.
The park contains 11 distinct natural communities (see Natural Communities Map) in
addition to ruderal and developed areas. The acreage for each natural community is
reflected on the Natural Communities Map. Park specific assessments of the existing
natural communities are provided. FNAI descriptions of these natural communities are
contained in Addendum 4. A list of plants and animals occurring in the park is
contained in Addendum 5.
Sandhill. The sandhill community occurs on the higher elevations in the park on the
deepest and most well-drained soils. Like much of the surrounding region, the sandhills
were heavily logged during the early 1900s or before. The majority of the longleaf
pines were removed at that time. Regeneration of longleaf pines that occurred
afterwards was mostly natural. Unlike surrounding areas, however, the sandhills at
Ichetucknee Springs were not converted to intensive agricultural uses, and the native
groundcover remains intact. A period of fire suppression followed the removal of the
original longleaf pines over much of the area, resulting in an increase in hardwood
densities. The park was acquired from the Loncala Phosphate Company in 1970. Park
staff began to prescribe burn the sandhills in 1973 and later began replanting
understocked areas with longleaf pines.The sandhills west of the Ichetucknee River
represent one of the finest examples of sandhill natural communities in the region, if not
the entire state. These sandhills are relatively rich and groundcover diversity is high.
The large expanse of habitat available within the park has allowed many sandhill animal
species to persist on site. Species such as Bachman’s sparrow, Sherman’s fox squirrel
and eastern indigo snakes, which are often extirpated in isolated sandhill patches,
remain relatively common at Ichetucknee.
The sandhills to the east of the river are not in as pristine a condition as those to the
west. Some of these areas may have been more impacted by phosphate mining
operations and low intensity agriculture or grazing. At least one area was cleared and
planted with watermelons in the 1950s. This area, in the southern part of the park, was
subsequently converted into a slash pine plantation. The site was heavily thinned by
park management around 1977 and has since been replanted with longleaf pines.
Although disturbed, this area retains scattered clumps of wiregrass (Aristida
beyrichiana) and other characteristic sandhill groundcover species.
Other limited areas of sandhill were disturbed to a much greater extent. A tract of about
ten acres along the western boundary was converted to agricultural use sometime before
1949. The northern fringe of this tract formerly contained an old residence. The
general area is in relatively poor condition due to a lack of native groundcover and
canopy species. A second area of about 26 acres, located further south along the
western boundary, was not disturbed as severely. This area was cleared of longleaf
pines and other canopy species between 1957 and 1963; however, the groundcover was
not completely removed. Longleaf pine regeneration is now underway as the result of
trees being planted some 20 years ago. Patches of native groundcover occur, as do
19
scattered hardwoods that are typical of the community.
Sinkhole and sinkhole lake. Due to the karst geology of the region, sinkholes are
scattered throughout the park. Solution depressions of differing size and shape are
particularly found in the areas above and around the major springs. Some sinks remain
dry the entire year, while others contain water either permanently or seasonally. Most
of these sinkholes are too small to map at this time. Two small sinkhole depressions,
which often retain water, are mapped in the northeast portion of the park. In most
cases, the sinkholes within the park are relatively undisturbed. Vegetation varies from
floating or emergent aquatics to herbaceous or woody terrestrial species. At least one
sinkhole in the park was used as a trash dump in the past. It is possible that some may
have been converted into phosphate pits in the last century, and as such would now be
included with the ruderal areas.
Upland mixed forest. The upland mixed forest within the park has expanded greatly
due to fire suppression in the past century. Historical aerials show a relatively thin band
of hardwoods of varying width located upslope of the floodplain along the Ichetucknee
River. In the absence of fire, the upland mixed forest species expanded into the
adjacent upland pine forest areas that had been disturbed during timbering operations in
the early 1900s. Invasive woody species such as laurel oaks, water oaks, and
sweetgums are typical of these upland pine forest areas that have “succeeded” to upland
mixed forest. These species are usually prevented from invading upland pine forest by
periodic growing season fires.
The boundary between the upland mixed forest and upland pine forest is naturally
dynamic and determined by local fire regimes and other disturbances such as
windstorms. In the case of Ichetucknee Springs this natural flux has been
overshadowed by extensive logging operations, two periods of phosphate mining, fire
suppression, and other anthropogenic influences. For the purposes of the natural
community map, and to guide restoration of the upland pine forest, the boundary has
been located based on interpretation of 1949 aerial photos. At this time, the disturbance
from the removal of the longleaf pine overstory was still evident in the sandhills and
upland pine forests. Invasion of these disturbed areas by offsite hardwoods had already
begun, but these trees were much smaller than now. Ground truthing of selected areas
and mapping of relict longleaf pines and lightered pine stumps (most likely longleaf
pine, but possibly slash pine) have also aided in determining the historical limits of the
upland mixed forest along the Ichetucknee River.
Both the upland mixed forests and upland pine forests have been impacted by phosphate
mining operations that constructed multiple pits and tram roads. The topographic
disturbances and the soil changes caused by mining residues and tailings have severely
affected both communities on a local basis.The upland mixed forest was undoubtedly
subjected to some level of hardwood cutting, but the clearest evidence of timber harvest
are the numerous cedar stumps that occur in the upland mixed forest along the river.
21
These cedar stumps are relatively large in diameter, and the living cedars that remain on
site are much smaller.
Upland pine forest. As mentioned above in the upland mixed forest description, the
boundary between upland pine and upland mixed forests is often indistinct under natural
conditions. Under disturbed conditions such as logging and fire suppression, the upland
mixed forest species quickly invade the upland pine forest resulting in a blending of the
two community types. Such is the case at Ichetucknee Springs.
Upland pine forest in peninsular Florida, also known as Southern Red Oak Woods
(Duever et al 1997), resembles the clay hills of panhandle Florida in species
composition and appearance. However, in peninsular Florida, upland pine forest is
more of a broad transition zone between sandhill and non-fire adapted communities
such as upland mixed forest or floodplain communities. This transition zone often
occurs on soils that are intermediate in drainage and fertility characteristics between
sandhill and upland mixed forest soils. Fire also exerts a defining influence on the
limits of the upland pine forest. Typically, upland pine forest burns slightly less
frequently and less intensely than neighboring sandhills, but much more frequently and
intensely than adjacent upland mixed forests.
Upland pine forest at Ichetucknee Springs spans a broad range of quality. Some limited
areas that have suffered less fire suppression are in very good to excellent condition.
These areas retain a diverse groundcover dominated by grasses, including wiregrass.
Beargrass (Yucca filamentosa) and longleaf paw paw (Asimina longifolia) are also
common. The overstory includes adult longleaf pines, mockernut hickories (Carya
tomentosa), southern red oaks (Quercus falcata), and scattered sand post oaks (Quercus
margaretta). In general, the upland pine forest areas closest to the sandhills are in
better condition. These areas were probably burned along with the sandhills when fire
was reintroduced to the park in the early 1970s.
One factor that has influenced the boundary between the sandhills and the upland pine
forest is an old abandoned trail or road that was located along the historic ecotone
between these communities on the west side of the river. This old trail was probably
cut before the 1920s when Loncala Phosphate, Inc. acquired the property (Doig, 1992).
This old trail has acted as a firebreak and appears to have prevented fires from
penetrating the upland pine forest. Consequently, the invasion of the upland pine forest
by non-fire adapted hardwoods such as laurel oak, water oak and sweetgum seems to
have been accelerated.
22
Park staff have made great strides in the restoration of “overgrown” upland pine forests
throughout the park. Using a combination of prescribed fire, coupled with the girdling
and herbiciding of offsite hardwoods, staff have been able to reverse many years of fire
suppression. By concentrating hardwood removal in the fringes of the overgrown
upland pine forests nearest the sandhills, and in those areas that still have relict longleaf
pines, staff have been able to introduce prescribed fires and dramatically enhance the
degraded upland pine forests.
Dome. A single dome is found in the northeast corner of the park adjacent to County
Road 238. This dome is dominated by hardwoods including black gum (Nyssa biflora),
red maple (Acer rubrum) and overcup oak (Quercus lyrata) (Herring 1994). This dome
appears to have been impacted by the construction of County Road 238 that passes
through the park. The southern tip of the dome was cut off from the main part of this
depressional wetland by the fill brought in to construct the roadway. During high water
events, overflow from the dome is channeled into the roadside swale and then under
County Road 238 through a culvert. The portion of the depression that lies to the south
of the road is classified as ruderal since it appears to have been significantly altered
during or after construction of the road. The dome that lies north of the road is in
relatively good condition although it receives some direct runoff from County Road
238.
Floodplain forest. Floodplain forest is found along much of the Ichetucknee River
downslope of the upland mixed and upland pine forests. In some cases, a floodplain
swamp or marsh separates the floodplain forest from the spring-run stream. The most
extensive floodplain development is in the lower half of the river, although a significant
area of floodplain forest occurs near the Ichetucknee Headspring and along the Cedar
Head Spring run. Although the larger cypress (Taxodium distichum) were removed
from the floodplain, the floodplain is recovering and with time will regain its former
grandeur.
Floodplain marsh. The middle reach of the Ichetucknee River is dominated by
floodplain marsh in the area know as Grassy Flats. The marsh is best developed
between Mission and Mill Pond Springs. Dominated by wild rice (Zizania aquatica),
the marsh is comprised of many emergent aquatic plants rooted within the spring-run
stream. High water during the winter of 1998 suppressed or killed back most of the
emergent aquatic plants within the floodplain marsh. As water levels returned to
normal during the spring and summer of 1998, however, recreational users of the
Ichetucknee River, primarily tubers, prevented regrowth of the emergent aquatic
vegetation due to trampling. The lack of vegetation left the main channel of the river
unmarked and many recreational users ran aground in the shallows of Grassy Flats.
Fortunately, the floodplain marsh community is very resilient and the emergent
vegetation has made an almost complete recovery in the fall of 1998 and winter of
1999.
23
Floodplain swamp. Floodplain swamp dominates the lower reach of the Ichetucknee
River within the park. Dominated by cypress, the floodplain swamp lies downslope of
the floodplain forest and upland community types. In many cases the floodplain swamp
and forest are difficult to distinguish from each other and form a complex mosaic based
on local topography. Like the floodplain forest, the floodplain swamp was selectively
logged of large cypress trees in the distant past, but is making a steady but gradual
return to previous conditions.
Spring-run stream. The striking clarity and beauty of the Ichetucknee River ranks it
as one of the best, if not the premier, example of a spring-run stream. Protected from
development and most sources of water quality damage, the river is the primary focus
of the park designation as a National Natural Landmark and a State Natural Feature
Site. Flowing for about 3.5 miles through the park, the river eventually joins with the
Santa Fe River about 1.5 miles downstream. Two main spring-runs feed the upper
reach of the Ichetucknee River: the run from the Ichetucknee Headspring, and the run
from Cedar Head Spring which flows into Blue Hole Spring and then into the main
channel. Numerous smaller spring-run streams and seepages flow from the edges of the
river and from within the floodplain. Additional descriptions of the springs may be
found in the Hydrology section above.
The river has long been attractive to outdoor recreation enthusiasts. However,
beginning in the 1960s, the river became increasingly popular for tubing and scuba
diving. These activities, in addition to swimming, have subjected this aquatic system to
highly intensive, and potentially destructive, pressures. Extensive damage occurred to
both the stream vegetation and stream bottom, particularly in the narrow, shallow, upper
reaches of the river.
Monitoring of the visitor impacts on the spring-run stream began with a study by
Charles DuToit in the late 1970s (DuToit 1979). Between 1979 and 1989 the river was
monitored using photopoints along the river. In 1989 formal line-intercept transects
were installed on the river to monitor seasonal vegetation changes. Additional
information on the monitoring methods and results may be found in the Hydrology
section above.
Since the implementation of a carrying capacity on the river in 1990, the Ichetucknee
has shown a remarkable degree of recovery. Fencing of the runs below the Headspring
and Blue Hole has also helped to limit the destruction that was taking place in the
highly vulnerable upper reach of the river. Currently, the park and district staffs are
considering the replacement of the fence below the Headspring with a buoy line on an
experimental basis. It appears that sediments may be accumulating on the downstream
side of the existing barrier. Sediment conditions before and after replacement of the
barrier will be monitored.
Aquatic cave. - This community is only accessible to humans at Blue Hole Spring,
although aquatic caves are associated with all of the springs within the park to a greater
24
or lesser extent. Aquatic caves that are accessible to scuba divers require careful
management to protect them from misuse. The cavern through which divers pass before
entering the cave has been defaced in the past with graffiti. As part of the Ichetucknee
Hydrology Study, the accessible portions of the Blue Hole Cave were mapped and
videographed by a team of cave divers (Skiles et al 1991). Periodic monitoring should
be utilized to measure further abuse.
Ruderal. Many of the ruderal areas that are located within the park are associated with
the phosphate mining operations described in the Topography section above. A borrow
pit and dump were located in the southwest portion of the park adjacent to the park
boundary. A depressional wetland located south of County Road 238 was probably at
one time part of the dome community north of the road, but was cut off by construction
of the road. This area appears to have been modified, perhaps to increase storage of
runoff from the roadway.
In nearly all cases, restoration of these ruderal areas to their former natural communities
is not likely due to the extent of the damage. Although the planted slash pines in the
phosphate settling ponds could be removed, the extensive changes to the soil profile
would preclude restoration to a moderately well-drained upland pine forest. Likewise,
the topographic and soil changes associated with the phosphate pits prevent typical
restoration efforts.
Developed. Developed areas at the park include two shop complexes, park residences,
parking lots, picnic areas, tram roads for shuttling tubers, several bath houses, rest
rooms and other support structures.
Designated Species
Designated species are those which are listed by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory
(FNAI), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FFWCC), and the Florida Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services (FDA) as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Addendum
6 contains a list of the designated species and their designated status for this park.
Management measures will be addressed later in this plan.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park has a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including a
variety of designated species. Recent botanical studies (Herring and Judd 1995; P.M.
Brown pers. comm.) have documented many of the rare plant species within the park.
Staff observations and past monitoring efforts have documented rare vertebrate species
within the park.
Many of the designated animal species are associated with the sandhill and upland pine
forest natural communities. These include the gopher tortoise, Sherman’s fox squirrel,
short-tailed snake, southeastern kestrel, eastern indigo snake and gopher frog.
Continued restoration of the upland fire-adapted communities will only serve to benefit
these species.
Additional efforts have been made by park staff and the park biologist to closely
25
monitor the gopher tortoise population and to map burrow locations within burn zones.
For the past several years, the staff have been marking individual tortoises using a
simple paint mark. More recently, a long term marking system has been adopted using
a standard numbering system based on drilling small holes in the marginal scutes.
Basic data is collected on each tortoise marked and released, including a visual
inspection for signs of Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (URTD). This disease, caused
by the bacterium Mycoplasma agassizii, was confirmed at Ichetucknee Springs in the
early 1990s. A male tortoise showing respiratory disease symptoms was taken to the
University of Florida Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and was diagnosed with
the disease. All tortoises within the park are considered potential carriers of the disease.
Staff have continued to cooperate with the University of Florida researchers and with
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
One source of transmission of this potentially fatal disease between tortoise populations
is the practice of capturing tortoises in developed areas or on roadways, and releasing
them into protected areas such as state parks. These misguided attempts to aid tortoises
may actually endanger many more tortoises. There are many anecdotal accounts of
tortoises being released by park visitors in state parks, including Ichetucknee Springs.
Road kills are a persistent problem at the park for designated species, particularly the
more mobile ones. Numerous road kills of gopher tortoises and indigo snakes have
been documented over the years on park roads and on US 27 that runs along the park’s
southern boundary.
The park also shelters the only known locality for the Ichetucknee siltsnail (Cincinnatia
mica), discovered in 1962 by Fred Thompson of the Florida Museum of Natural
History. The snail is only known from Coffee Spring on the western edge of the
Ichetucknee River. Additional surveys in 1989 by Dr. Thompson failed to find any
other populations, but documented that the snail was still as abundant as it was in 1962
(Thompson 1989). Staff erected a fence across the mouth of the Coffee Spring run to
prevent tubers from entering the spring and damaging the microhabitat where the snail
occurs. The known range of the species is approximately 10 square yards. At this time,
it appears that the site is relatively undisturbed, but periodic monitoring will be required
to prevent disturbance of the area.
Many rare plant species occur at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, and several of these,
particularly the orchids, are relatively cryptic except when in bloom. It is possible that
some populations of cryptic species could be damaged or extirpated unknowingly by
park development or recreational use. The Florida willow (Salix floridana) is another
species that may be overlooked. Although documented in the past, the Florida willow
has not been observed since the flooding event of the winter of 1998.
Special Natural Features
Certainly, the most significant natural feature at Ichetucknee Springs State Park is the
Ichetucknee River and its associated springs. Designated as a National Natural
26
Landmark and a State Natural Feature Site, the river is considered one of the crown
jewels of the Florida state parks. Unmarred by development on its banks, and so far
untainted by water or aerial contaminants, the river is a pristine example of a spring-run.
Despite the heavy recreational use that the river receives in the summer tubing season, it
retains its natural character. The Ichetucknee in winter barely hints at the torrent of
humanity that flowed within it a few months previous. The preservation of the primeval
nature of the Ichetucknee requires strict adherence to carrying capacities and close
monitoring of potential recreational, industrial, and agricultural impacts.
Cultural Resources
A wealth of cultural resources exists within Ichetucknee Springs State Park. In fact, the
entire park has been recorded in the Florida Master Site File as the Ichetucknee River
Archaeological Zone (8CO49). Excluding the Archaeological Zone, 23 sites located
within the park are recorded in the Florida Master Site File.
The park has several types of prehistoric sites (see Addendum 7). There are three
confirmed burial sites at Ichetucknee with at least three additional mounds that may or
may not contain burials. Two sites are classified as quarries. Numerous sites are
classified as artifact scatters including either lithics, ceramics or both. Several of these
sites occur underwater. Very little information is available for other sites.
Aboriginal occupation of the area, based on artifacts found within the park, spans the
entire length of Florida's Indian ethnohistory. A few Paleo-Indian artifacts have been
recovered from the park (12,000 BC to 6500 BC). Archaic period (6500 BC to 1000
BC) tools have also been recovered from Ichetucknee as has late Archaic pottery.
Scattered artifacts from the Deptford period (500 BC to A.D. 300) have been found in
the river and along the riverbanks.
Archaeological remains from the Weeden Island culture (A.D. 200 to A.D. 1000)
include scattered ceramics and two burial mounds, one of which has been looted and
may not be presently recorded with the Florida Master Site File (possibly formerly
8SU29, Weisman 1990). The transition period between the Weeden Island period and
the Leon-Jefferson period is the Suwannee Valley period (A.D. 750 to currently
unknown). The period of European contact, or Spanish Mission period, is characterized
by Leon-Jefferson series ceramics and spans (ca. A.D. 1585 to ca. 1700).
Important paleontological resources have been recovered from the riverbed and
associated springs within the park. Pleistocene mammal remains include mammoth
(Mammuthus), horse (Equus), mastodon (Mastodon americaneus), tapir (Tapirus), giant
jaguar (Felis atrox), saber-tooth cat (Smilodon fatalis), bison (Bison antiquus) and other
extinct and living species. The Ichetucknee River lies in an area where the Ocala Group
limestones reach at least mean sea level and very often extend above the surface of the
ground. The stratigraphy of the limestone deposits combined with periodic floods has
accounted for the continual erosion and redeposition of fossil-bearing Pleistocene soils
along the watercourse. Fossils have been recovered at several of the archaeological
27
sites listed in Addendum 7.
The best documented site at Ichetucknee Springs is the Fig Springs site (8CO1). Refuse
dating to the Spanish period was discovered in Fig Spring in the late 1940s by John
Goggin (Deagan 1972) who surmised the artifacts in the spring were refuse from a
nearby Spanish Mission. Artifacts collected at Fig Springs by John Goggin (of the
University of Florida) have been extensively studied and dated (Deagan 1972). The
actual mission site was not located until a field crew lead by Ken Johnson (1990)
discovered mission artifacts, human burials and a possible clay floor on a nearby bluff
in 1986. Until the most recent work at Fig Springs from 1988 to 1990, it was assumed
that the Fig Springs Mission was the Santa Catalina de Afuerica based on written
mission locations. However, as a result of the recent work that involved excavations
and intensive study of many facets of the site by a team of researchers, the current
thought is that the Fig Springs Mission is the mission San Martín de Timucua (also
called San Martín de Ayaocuto) (Weisman 1991).
Four other sites have been the subjects of small studies over the years. A salvage
investigation was conducted before the expansion of the Headsprings parking area in
1973 near 8SU28 (Clauser 1973). The researcher concluded that the site had been
previously disturbed but recovered materials spanning from the Deptford period (500
BC) to the Alachua period (A.D. 1539). Dampier’s landing (8CO15) has also been
studied, primarily to recover Pleistocene fossils, very few cultural remains were
recovered in this study (Cring 1986(?)). Brent Weisman (1989) conducted excavations
at Midpoint Mound (8CO43) and at Mill Pond (8CO8).
Currently, a restoration of the Ichetucknee Headsprings (8SU28) has been undertaken as
discussed in the Hydrology section. Historical and prehistoric artifacts have been
recovered along with rubble, sand and silt. These artifacts will be transferred to the
Bureau of Archaeological Research, DHR, through an existing procedure.
The bulk of the recorded sites at Ichetucknee Springs State Park are prehistoric sites.
Only two other recorded sites in addition to Fig Springs have an historical component.
The old Bellamy Road (8CO57), the historic road that connected Tallahassee and St.
Augustine, passes near the Ichetucknee Headsprings. Alternate names of this road, the
Old Spanish Trail and the Old Indian Trail, suggest it may have been used in prehistoric
times as well. The other recorded site with an historic component is the Old Mill Pond
site (8CO08). With the influx of agriculture into this area in the 1800s, a grist mill was
established at what is now known as Mill Pond Springs. A mill race was cut into the
limestone bank next to the spring. A log dam was placed in the spring run to divert
water into the race to turn the mill wheel. Evidence of the mill race, slots for the wheel
and portions of the log dam, still exist. It has been suggested, though undocumented,
that the town of Ichetucknee was located near Old Mill Pond (interviews from Old
Timers Day, see below). The town reportedly had a post office, general store and
several residences. Spanish artifacts have also been found at Old Mill Pond that date to
28
the 17th century as have aboriginal artifacts (Weisman 1989).
Numerous unrecorded historical resources are scattered throughout the park. Phosphate
was first mined from the park between 1900 and 1920. Black laborers removed the
phosphate with picks and shovels, and hauled it by wheelbarrow until a boiler was built
and steam-powered winches were put into use. A tram road was built which bridged the
Ichetucknee River at "Trestle Point”. It was part of a maze of narrow-gauge railroads
that existed in Florida at the time. During this period, only "pure rock" phosphate was
taken. Around 1943, the value of the residue left behind by these early miners was
realized and mining crews returned to retrieve it. Using modern equipment, the
operation lasted until about 1967. This was the last time phosphate was mined from the
property. Numerous mine pits and tram roads still exist in the park.
From about the time the grist mill was established, until shortly after the first phase of
phosphate mining had begun, turpentining operations were conducted in the virgin pine
forests. Evidence of turpentining still exists in the form of "catface" scars on a few of
the older trees. Most of the mature trees, however, were cut by the early 1920s. Most
of the turpentined pines were probably cut then, also. Cedars were also cut from the
lands adjacent to the river purportedly for the manufacture of pencils in Perry, Florida,
and many stumps remain along the river near Cedar Head Run.
Remnants of a moonshine still, including large pieces of the boiler, have been found
along Cedar Head Run. No information is available as to when, or how long, the still
was in operation. In addition, at least three old home sites, and likely more, are located
on the property. One is located on the NW corner of the property, another on the west
side of the river near the south end of the park, and an old log cabin was located NW of
the Headsprings. Numerous landings likely dating from the early 20th century also
occur along the river. A post office was established at Ichetucknee in 1884, which was
discontinued and moved to Branford about 3.5 years later in 1887, however, its location
is unknown (Bradbury and Hallock 1962). Ichetucknee Springs State Park has created a
program called “Old Timers Day” held once a year where people with historical
knowledge are interviewed. Accounts of many potential unrecorded cultural resources
have become known as a result of these interviews. Some of these resources include,
the Town of Ichetucknee near Old Mill Pond, numerous home sites, an old wagon road,
and an historic unmarked graveyard.
The condition of cultural resources in the park is described in terms of a three-part
scale: good, fair, poor. Good describes a condition in which the subject is physically
stable with no apparent evidence of decline. Fair describes the subject as stable, though
with some predictable signs of decline in either its appearance or physical integrity, due
largely to age. Poor describes the subject as unstable, in obvious and accelerated
decline of either appearance or physical integrity, or both, endangered from its own
physical properties or from other, climatic or human introduced causes.
The majority of recorded properties were visited and observed recently on a Resource
29
Management Evaluation. The evaluators determined that the cultural resources
observed were in fair condition. There was no evidence of looting, storm damage, or
other accelerating factors (Younker 1999).
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Special Management Considerations
Timber Management Analysis
Chapters 253 and 259, Florida Statutes, require an assessment of the feasibility of
managing timber in land management plans for parcels greater than 1,000 acres and if
the lead agency determines that timber management is not in conflict with the primary
management objectives of the land.
Natural community restoration efforts at this unit may include timber harvest of offsite
slash pines planted by the previous owner in the 1960s. These slash plantations were
planted in phosphate settling ponds and are now considered ruderal. Restoration of
these areas to upland pine forest may be impossible due to the drastic changes to the soil
profiles. However, the area may be able to support upland mixed forest species, which
would be preferable to maintaining an offsite slash pine plantation. More detailed
information may be found in Addendum 8.
Visitor Use Management of the Ichetucknee River
The Ichetucknee River has long attracted humans to its banks. Human use and
occupation for thousands of years have altered the landscape and the river. However,
within the last century, the river has seen an enormous increase in the number of
humans using the river for recreational reasons. Recreational use of the river began a
rapid increase in the 1960s as it became more of a regional, rather than just a local,
attraction. The former owners of the river cited recurrent recreational use problems as
one reason for selling the property to the state. In 1970, the state inherited an
unmanaged recreation resource. Since that time, the Division has tried to manage the
recreational uses in order to curb and reduce the impacts to the natural and cultural
resources of the river. The bare sand and rock that remain after aquatic vegetation is
trampled and dislodged easily show the impact of overuse on a spring-run stream.
However, the saving grace of the Ichetucknee is that the system is as resilient as it is
sensitive. Since the state acquired the river, the impacts from years of overuse are
gradually healing. Each summer brings new scars from heavy recreational use, but in
most parts of the river, these scars heal themselves over winter. The success of that
healing process hinges upon carrying capacities and partitioning of recreational use on
the river.
In 1978, the first carrying capacity was set on the river. Initially a cap of 3,000 persons
per day was set based partly on research by Charles DuToit, a graduate student at the
University of Florida (DuToit 1979). A system of quarterly and yearly inspections with
photopoints taken above and below the water was used to monitor changes in the
aquatic vegetation. The carrying capacity applied to the entire river, and the tube
30
launches were located at the northern end where the river is at its narrowest and
shallowest. The level of damage to the river was still unacceptable, particularly in the
upper reach. Two tube launches were removed in the upper reach as a result.
In 1982, new facilities were installed at the southern end of the park, including two new
tube launches below Mill Pond Spring (Midpoint and Dampier’s Landing). The
carrying capacity of 3,000 people per day was split in half between the north and south
entrances. This resulted in 1,500 tubers per day allowed to use the entire length of the
river within the park, with an additional 1,500 using only the lower half.
In an attempt to increase the use of the south entrance, the carrying capacity was lifted
for the stretch of river below Dampier’s Landing in 1983. In order to keep the Midpoint
launch capacity at 1,500, the tram system stopped shuttling tubers to Midpoint once
1,500 tickets had been sold at the south entrance. Tubers were allowed to walk to
Dampier’s Landing and repeat the lower section.
Qualitative evaluations of transect points indicated that seasonal degradation still
occurred on the lower reaches of the river, but the aquatic vegetation was able to
recover over winter in many cases. However, the upper reach of the river was still
suffering unacceptable levels of damage during the tubing season. Therefore, in 1989
the carrying capacity was adjusted to reflect this. In 1989, a carrying capacity of 750
per day was set at the north entrance while the Midpoint capacity was increased to 2250
per day. Dampier’s Landing remains unrestricted.
In addition, at that time, fifteen permanent vegetation transects were installed to
complement the qualitative photopoints and biological assessments. After nearly a
decade under the current carrying capacities, the river is relatively stable from year to
year. As detailed in the Hydrology section above, the aquatic vegetation is able to
recover over the winter season from the damage inflicted in the summer. This general
rule varies from year to year based on water levels, however. As water levels drop,
vegetation damage increases due to increased foot traffic on the river bottom. Sections
of the river with higher numbers of tubers show more damage than areas with fewer
tubers, and shallower reaches show more damage than deeper ones.
Management Needs and Problems
The following list details some of the more important concerns for natural resource
management at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Many of these concerns are discussed
in the recent Resource Management Evaluation conducted at the park (Younker 1999).
1. Surface and ground water at the park are threatened by contaminants.
A. Creeks and sinkholes north of the park receive contaminated stormwater run-off
from urban and agricultural areas in the basin. Untreated stormwater run-off is
often contaminated with fertilizers, pesticides, coliform bacteria, gasoline,
turbidity, and other pollutants. Additional information may be found in the
Hydrology section above.
31
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
B. Industrial and agricultural uses proposed near the park may impact park water
resources via fallout from aerial emissions or groundwater contamination. Deep
limerock mining could impact conduits within the aquifer that supply
groundwater to the springs.
C. The locations and extents of the underground conduits that supply the springs of
the Ichetucknee River are not adequately known. Additional research is needed
to identify the sources of the various springs.
Aquatic vegetation is impacted by recreational use of the river.
A. Swimming, canoeing, diving, and tubing decrease the amount of aquatic
vegetation in the river and increase the turbidity.
Erosion may be accelerated along the banks of the river due to recreational uses.
A. Many of the limestone bluffs, particularly those at the river edge, have elaborate
sculpturing from the effects of flowing water and upland runoff. Many of these
bluffs, such as Devil’s Den, are attractive resting areas for recreational users of
the river. Unfortunately, the resulting foot traffic causes increased erosion of the
bluff and may damage the delicate limestone formations. Foot traffic also
damages the vegetation that clings to the calcareous soils of the unstable bluffs.
B. Unauthorized footpaths within the floodplain along the river may increase
erosion and turbidity.
The main vent of the Ichetucknee Headspring was partially blocked with debris in
the past.
A. The Ichetucknee Headspring was partially blocked with concrete, rubble, scrap
metals and other sediments that had been deposited in the spring before state
purchase of the site. Although much of this debris has been removed, some still
exists in the Headspring and may need to be removed.
Designated species occur within the park and may require special protection or
management.
A. The world’s only known population of the rare, endemic, Ichetucknee siltsnail is
found within Coffee Spring. The species has an extremely limited range.
Extinction of this species could occur if Coffee Spring is disturbed.
B. Designated species have been killed by vehicles on park roads and adjacent
roadways.
C. The park may be lacking in natural nesting cavities for the southeastern kestrel.
D. Gopher tortoises within the park are infected with the bacterium that causes
Upper Respiratory Tract Disease. Tortoises from offsite have been illegally
released in the park by the public.
E. Park development activities or recreational activities may inadvertently impact
cryptic designated plant species.
Natural communities within the park require restoration efforts.
A. The upland pine forest community suffers from long-term fire suppression and
invasion by offsite hardwoods.
B. The sandhills require growing season fires and some areas are lacking sufficient
32
numbers of longleaf pines.
C. Several natural and ruderal areas have been infected with invasive exotic plant
species.
7. Incidences of trespass and poaching have occurred within the park; the park
boundary may not be adequately defined.
8. The park has never been the subject of a comprehensive cultural resource survey;
Cultural resource record keeping and management activities are informal.
A. At least 23 cultural sites have been recorded within the park boundaries due to
the activities of avocational and professional archaeologists, as well as thematic
surveys whose foci only incidentally touched on sites within the park. Activities
that were coincident to development of the DeSoto Trail in the 1980s, during
which knowledge about 8CO1, the Fig Springs site, was greatly expanded, are an
example. Because the park has not been surveyed, most recorded sites reflect the
interests of their recorders, which appears to be the pre-Contact (before 1513) era
through the first Spanish period (Contact to AD 1763). Except for the route of
the historic Bellamy Road, 8CO57, extremely important resources from later
periods, especially the 19th and early 20th centuries, are hardly represented.
Such neglected resources include but are not limited to mills, farms, fence lines,
and resources related to naval stores or phosphate extraction.
B. The park has no written procedures for managing cultural resources, although the
park staff visit or monitor them while performing other functions.
C. The park maintains limited specific cultural resource or site files. It is desirable
for parks to maintain files relating to specific cultural resources, with duplicate
Florida Master Site File information as a minimum, and adding materials relating
to visitation, monitoring, and possible unforeseen occurrences.
D. Management activities pose no threat to recorded cultural resources. However,
until recommended survey activities are completed, possible unrecorded
resources may suffer accelerated deterioration, particularly those in pine
restoration areas.
Management Objectives
The resources administered by the Division of Recreation and Parks are divided into
two principal categories: natural resources and cultural resources. The Division's
primary objective in natural resource management is to maintain and restore, to the
extent possible, to the conditions that existed before the ecological disruptions caused
by man. The objective for managing cultural resources is to protect these resources
from human-related and natural threats. This will arrest deterioration and help preserve
the cultural resources for future generations to enjoy.
1. Continue monitoring surface and ground waters that are threatened by contaminants.
A. Water quality parameters, particularly nitrate and coliform levels in the park,
must be monitored periodically by the appropriate agency. The park should
continue supporting research to determine the sources of the groundwater that
emerges from the springs in the park and other activities of the water quality
working group.
33
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
B. Staff should continue to monitor industrial and agricultural uses proposed for
areas within the recharge area of the park and work with local county
governments as well as the FDEP and Suwannee River Water Management
District (SRWMD) on such issues.
C. Division and park staff should continue working with the Ichetucknee Springs
Water Quality Working Group to seek funding for additional research and dye
trace studies in the Ichetucknee Trace and any other regions that might supply
groundwater to the springs along the Ichetucknee River.
Maintain carrying capacities; Continue monitoring aquatic vegetation in the river.
A. Carrying capacities for the upper, middle, and lower sections should continue to
be enforced. Such limits will prevent long-term damage from visitor use of the
Ichetucknee River. Monitoring of the aquatic vegetation in the spring and fall
will assist in the detection of unreasonable impacts to the resources, and will
indicate if changes to the carrying capacity are needed.
Reduce erosion along the banks of the river.
A. Increased interpretation of the effects of erosion on the river bluffs, along with
posting and periodic enforcement of closed areas, should help reduce the
recreational impacts on the riverbanks. Interpretive signs should be located at the
river entry points and at sensitive areas. It may also be possible to block access
to the more popular and sensitive sites.
B. Unauthorized foot trails along the river should be discretely brushed over or
planted with native species to discourage use.
Remove debris that was placed in the Headspring.
A. Concrete, rubble, scrap metals and other sediments deposited in the spring before
state purchase of the site should continue to be removed in the appropriate
manner.
Designated species should be protected and managed as appropriate.
A. Protective fencing and signage in the area of Coffee Spring should be maintained
for the protection of the siltsnail. Another survey for the snail should be
requested from the Florida Museum of Natural History Malacology Range.
Coffee Springs will be periodically inspected by staff to monitor any impacts or
changes to the microhabitat of the siltsnail or the surrounding areas.
B. Park staff should continue to record all road kills within and adjacent to the park.
Consideration should be given to installing wildlife crossing signs or requesting a
reduction in speed limits.
C. The southeastern kestrel nest box program should be continued.
D. Park staff should continue to monitor the gopher tortoise population for signs of
URTD, and all efforts should be made to prevent tortoises from being illegally
introduced into the park.
E. Rare plant species populations should be located and mapped to prevent
inadvertent impacts.
Restore natural communities within the park.
A. Park staff should continue their aggressive burning program within the remnant
34
upland pine forest. Staff should also continue girdling and chemical treatment of
offsite hardwoods in overgrown upland pine forest areas. Priority should be
given to restoring degraded upland pine forest areas that are adjacent to higher
quality upland pine forest where prescribed fires are able to penetrate.
B. Park staff should continue burning the sandhills and emphasize growing season
burns. Winter burns may be used to reduce fuels in fire-suppressed areas or in
overgrown areas, that require low humidity. Additional local seed source
longleaf pines should be planted in some areas to supplement natural
reproduction.
C. Park staff should continue removing invasive exotic plant and animal species.
7. Staff should take measures to curb trespass and poaching within the park.
A. Park staff should routinely inspect park fences and insure posting of park
boundaries is adequate. Incidences of trespass or poaching should be reported to
the appropriate law enforcement agency. The park boundary should be better
defined in certain areas such as north of County Road 238.
8. Staff should pursue a comprehensive cultural resource survey and protect and
interpret known resources.
A. A combined Level I and Level II survey is recommended in order to locate and
record all possible resources in the park. The cultural resource surveyors must
utilize GPS technology to locate sites within useful limits.
B. Staff should continue to preserve park cultural resources for the enjoyment and
education of present and future visitors and develop non-destructive interpretive
programs for the resources.
C. The park should expand the information gathering, filing, and retrieval routines
for cultural resources. The park should maintain cultural resource management
files for each recorded resource separate from operations materials and use them
as a basis for regular condition reporting.
D. The park should develop cultural resource visitation and monitoring routines and
use them on a regular basis. Sites should be documented by establishing and use
photography points for each resource to enable periodic documentation of
conditions of resources.
E. The recordation of additional cultural resources should be continued as resources
are encountered and identified.
F. Park and district natural resource restoration planners should employ great
cultural resource sensitivity when preparing areas for restoration. Such areas of
sensitivity include sandy uplands that are marginally suitable for farming or
ranching.
Management Measures for Natural Resources
Hydrology
The hydrology at Ichetucknee Springs State Park involves both surface and ground
waters. The park is at the interface where deep groundwater becomes surface water that
35
eventually mixes with a riverine system. Currently, there are regional concerns about
groundwater quality and elevated nitrate levels. Systematic monitoring should continue
to detect changes in water quality. It remains the responsibility of regulatory authorities
to enforce groundwater standards, however. Staff will continue to monitor land use
changes outside the park, particularly in the Ichetucknee Trace, and will provide
comments to public officials if any threats to Ichetucknee Springs’ groundwater
resources become apparent.
Although dye trace studies in the Ichetucknee Trace have provided valuable information
about the sources of the springs of the Ichetucknee River, much more information is
needed to adequately protect the various sources of the Ichetucknee. Division and park
staff will continue to work with the Ichetucknee Springs Water Quality Working Group
to seek funding for additional research and dye trace studies. Additional research by
university faculty and students will also be encouraged.
In reference to the park’s surface waters, control of erosion should help protect water
quality. Management will comply with best management practices to maintain the
existing water quality on site and will take measures to prevent soil erosion or other
impacts to water resources.
Monitoring aquatic vegetation in the spring and fall seasons will help detect long-term
damage from visitor use of the Ichetucknee River. Four additional transects have been
installed in the river to replace ones that had been lost due to tree falls. Although
currently adequate, the carrying capacities for the upper, middle, and lower sections
may need to be adjusted in the future, if conditions in the river change.
Prescribed Burning
The objectives of prescribed burning are to create those conditions that are most natural
for a particular community, and to maintain ecological diversity within the unit's natural
communities. To meet these objectives, the unit is partitioned into burn zones, and burn
programs are implemented for each zone. These programs are periodically reviewed
and maintained in the unit's burn plan. All prescribed burns are conducted under permit
from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry
(DOF). Wildfire suppression activities will be coordinated between park staff and the
Division of Forestry.
Prescribed burning at Ichetucknee Springs began in 1973, shortly after state acquisition
of the property. Before that time, the previous owners had suppressed all fires for over
50 years. An aggressive burn program has reversed much of the damage to the
sandhills. Restoration of the upland pine forest will require mechanical and chemical
removal of offsite species before prescribed fires will be effective in restoring degraded
areas.
The park has been divided up into 26 burn zones (see Burn Zone Map) or resource
management zones. However, some of these zones are subdivided with higher quality
areas receiving a maintenance burn in the growing season, and lower quality areas
receiving a restoration burn during the early growing season or late winter. Soft
36
firebreaks that minimize or eliminate soil disturbance are used to subdivide zones in
most cases.
Most permanent firebreaks within the sandhills are service roads or paved roads. Closer
to the river in the upland pine forest, some natural firebreaks are used and prescribed
fires are allowed to naturally penetrate overgrown areas. As upland pine forest areas
are restored these fires will penetrate further and further towards the floodplain and
river as they once did. There is clear evidence from living relict longleaf pines and
lightered pine stumps that the upland pine forest once stretched to the edge of the
Ichetucknee River in some locations, and at least to the floodplain in others. One the
primary goals of the prescribed fire program at Ichetucknee Springs is the restoration of
that upland pine
forest.
Staff will also monitor any future restrictions on prescribed burning in the region.
Residences along the park boundary should be contacted before conducting adjacent
prescribed burns. Public education about the benefits of prescribed fire should be
promoted at the park to avoid future efforts to restrict prescribed burning of natural
areas.
37
Designated Species Protection
The welfare of designated species is an important concern of the Division. In many
cases, these species will benefit most from proper management of their natural
communities. At times, however, additional management measures are needed because
of the poor condition of some communities, or because of unusual circumstances which
aggravate the particular problems of a species.
The prescribed fire program at Ichetucknee Springs should benefit the designated
species that inhabit fire-adapted communities such as the sandhills and upland pine
forests. A southeastern kestrel nest box program supplements natural cavities that are in
short supply within the park. The program is run by staff and volunteers each breeding
season. In addition to monitoring activity within the boxes, staff cooperate with a
USFWS permitted bird bander to band and patagial tag the young kestrel chicks for
future identification.
The park staff should continue monitoring the gopher tortoise population for URTD.
Continued cooperation with the FFWCC will be an important part of the management
of this imperiled species. Any increase in the incidence of the disease or any
abnormally frequent observations of dead tortoises should be reported to the FFWCC
Wildlife Research Laboratory in Gainesville. While handling gopher tortoises, staff
should take care not to allow tortoises to contact each other. All surfaces that the
animals touch should be sprayed with a weak chlorine bleach solution (1 to 30 ratio of
bleach to water) to kill the bacterium. Staff should also wash their hands in between
handling tortoises to reduce the danger of disease transmission. Gopher tortoises should
not be subjected to unnecessary stress. Stress has been linked to the onset of URTD
symptoms. Public interpretation at the park will be an essential tool in curbing the
practice of releasing stray tortoises into the park. Public education about the
seriousness of the disease will assist in the management of the disease statewide.
Park staff should continue to record road kills of all species within the park and on
adjacent roadways, including gopher tortoise, indigo snakes and Sherman’s fox
squirrels.
Coffee Spring should remain closed to visitor access to protect the Ichetucknee siltsnail.
Another census or survey of the population should be pursued through the Florida
Museum of Natural History to verify the status of the snail.
Locations of rare plant species documented by Herring (1994) and other researchers
should be mapped near visitor use areas or where future development may occur.
Attempts should be made to locate Florida willows, and if found, such populations
should be mapped.
Exotic Species Control
Exotic species are those plants or animals that are not native to Florida, but were
introduced as a result of human-related activities. Exotics have fewer natural enemies
and may have a higher survival rate than do native species, as well. They may also
39
harbor diseases or parasites that significantly impact non-resistant native species. Thus,
the policy of the Division is to remove exotic species from native natural communities.
Invasive exotic plant populations should be mapped and removal efforts prioritized.
When prioritizing species for removal, consideration should be given not only to
invasiveness, but whether or not an effective treatment has been developed for a
species. Although Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) is highly invasive,
effective treatment of this species is problematic. Funding for removal should be
sought from both Division and Department funding sources. When necessary, park
staff should continue with manual removal of aquatic exotic or problem species such as
water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) in the spring-run stream. Exotic animal species,
including stray dogs, cats and armadillos, should be removed using appropriate
techniques. If feral hogs are ever detected within the park, they should be removed
immediately to prevent damage to the river floodplain and other wetlands.
Adjacent homeowners should be contacted, if necessary, to prevent the introduction of
exotic ornamental plants into the park, and to prevent free roaming pets from entering
the park.
Problem Species
Problem species are defined as native species whose habits create specific management
problems or concerns. Occasionally, problem species are also a designated species,
such as alligators. Management must devise measures that balance designated species
protection with problem species control.
Although alligators do occur at low densities in spring-run streams, they are not usually
a problem at Ichetucknee Springs. The high level of visitor use during the spring and
summer months discourages most alligators from frequenting the river within the park.
Management Measures for Cultural Resources
The management of cultural resources is often complicated because these resources are
irreplaceable and extremely vulnerable to disturbances. The advice of historical and
archaeological experts is required in this effort. Approval from Department of State,
Division of Historical Resources (DHR) must be obtained before taking any actions,
such as development or site improvements, that could affect or disturb the cultural
resources on state lands. A statement of DHR's policies and procedures for the
management and protection of cultural resources is contained in Addendum 9.
Actions that require permits or approval from DHR include development, site
excavations or surveys, disturbances of sites or structures, disturbances of the substrate,
and any other actions that may affect the integrity of the cultural resources. These
actions could damage evidence that would someday be useful to researchers attempting
to interpret the past.
1. Seek funding to conduct a professional, combined Level I and Level II cultural
resources survey. Emphasis should be placed on historic period resources and on
providing managers with more information on known sites, particularly accurate
locations. The cultural resource surveyors must utilize GPS technology to locate
sites within useful limits. Ultimately, the base of knowledge of the resources of the
40
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
park can only be expanded or confirmed by professionally conducted survey.
Establish photopoints and photograph cultural resources on a regular schedule.
Long term management of cultural resources will be facilitated through compilation
of a body of visual knowledge that will allow comparison of future conditions.
Schedule regular visitation to each resource on at least an annual basis. Regular
visitation will foster development of knowledge about each resource and
understanding of the natural forces that affect each. Visitors' notes will be added to
the data about each resource.
Record additional cultural resources as they are encountered and identified. Until a
comprehensive, scientifically informed, cultural resources survey can be completed,
recording knowledge about previously unrecorded cultural resources is the park
staff's contribution to its own ability to manage well.
Increase the level of park staff training for cultural resources. Library resources
should be expanded and updated regularly, and training programs should be utilized
as they become available. A trained park staff will better appreciate cultural
resource management routines and be able to conduct the basic research necessary
to identify and record new resources.
Expand the interpretation of the cultural resources of the park.
Expand the current record keeping system to include separate files for each known
site. Adopt methods for making and keeping written and photographic records of
periodic examinations of cultural resources and train staff in making and using the
records.
Expand efforts to consider unrecorded cultural resources before initiating restoration
activities in pinelands.
Research Needs
Natural Resources
Any research or other activity that involves the collection of plant or animal species on
park lands requires a collecting permit from the Department of Environmental
Protection. Additional permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service may also be required.
1. Additional plant and animal survey work is needed.
A. Locations of rare plant species should be confirmed and mapped. Additional
plant species discovered within the park should be vouchered at the University of
Florida Herbarium to supplement the collection described in Herring (1994).
B. Additional animal surveys are needed at the park, including a re-survey of the
Ichetucknee siltsnail, and a continuation of the gopher tortoise and southeastern
kestrel monitoring.
C. The District and Park Biologists will be continuing to monitor bird activity in the
sandhills using transects to collect baseline population data. The study will also
monitor changes in the breeding bird population as recreational use of the upland
41
increases.
Cultural Resources
1. Additional cultural resources survey Work is needed.
A. A combined Level I and Level II survey is recommended in order to locate and
record all possible resources in the park.
Resource Management Schedule
A priority schedule for conducting all management activities for the purposes for which
these lands were acquired, and to enhance the resource values is contained in
Addendum 10. The cost estimates for conducting these priority management activities
are based on the most cost effective methods and recommendations that are currently
available (see Addendum 10).
Land Management Review
This property was subject to a land management review on January 15, 1999. The land
management review team report, including the DRP’s responses to the report findings,
is contained in Addendum 11.
42
LAND USE COMPONENT
INTRODUCTION
Land use planning and park development decisions for the state park system are based
on the dual responsibilities of the Division of Recreation and Parks. These
responsibilities are to preserve representative examples of original natural Florida and
its cultural resources, and to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for Florida’s
citizens and visitors.
The general planning and design process begins with an analysis of the park’s natural
and cultural resources, then proceeds through the creation of a conceptual land use plan
that culminates in the actual design and construction of park facilities. Input to the plan
is provided by experts in environmental sciences, cultural resources, park operation and
management, through public workshops, and environmental groups. With this
approach, the Division’s objective is to provide quality development for resource-based
recreation throughout the state with a high level of sensitivity to the natural and cultural
resources at each park.
This component of the unit plan includes a brief inventory of the external conditions
and the recreational potential of the unit. Existing uses, facilities, special conditions on
use, and specific areas within the park that will be given special protection, are
identified. The land use component then summarizes the current conceptual land use
plan for the park, identifying the existing or proposed activities suited to the resource
base of the park. Any new facilities needed to support the proposed activities are
described and located in general terms.
EXTERNAL CONDITIONS
An assessment of the conditions that exist beyond the boundaries of the unit can
identify any special development problems or opportunities that exist because of the
unit’s unique setting or environment. This also provides an opportunity to deal
systematically with various planning issues such as location, adjacent land uses and the
park’s interaction with other facilities.
Existing Use of Adjacent Lands
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is located in southeastern Suwannee and southwestern
Columbia Counties, approximately 4 miles west of the town of Fort White. Entrance to
the park is from U.S. Highway 27, to the south, and from County Road 238 to the north.
Adjacent land uses are mostly low-density residential, agriculture/rural, a designation
which allows agricultural uses and residential development up to one unit per 5 to 10
acres, and industrial which includes active limestone mining. Two quarries are located in
the proximity of the park: one a few miles to its west, and the other to its northeast. U.S.
Highway 27’s 200-foot right-of-way is the largest adjacent land use to the southern
boundary of the park. The current Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) fiveyear plan schedules no major improvements to this highway.
Other significant land and water resources in the vicinity include the state park facilities
at O’Leno State Park, River Rise State Preserve, Peacock Springs State Recreation
Area, and the Suwannee River Water Management District’s (SRWMD) Lower Santa
43
Fe, Stuarts Landing and Little River Conservation Areas.
Planned Use of Adjacent Lands
Development on the land uses adjacent to Ichetucknee Springs State Park is generally
planned to remain at the current level, with primarily agricultural and low-density
residential land uses.
Although the County is not particularly large in terms of population, it has experienced
a rapid rate of population growth over the last 5 years. Because of this growth, the
residential area is in the initial stages of subdivision, with a preponderance of “minifarm” subdivisions and other low-density residential land uses. Some of the impacts to
be expected include declines in local, surface water quantity and quality, an increase in
local traffic, point and non-point pollution sources within the park’s watershed and
continued residential development.
The SRWMD’s Greenways 2000 plan proposes a series of shared-use trails in the
Suwannee River Basin. In the vicinity of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, the
Greenways 2000 plan calls for a shared-use trail south of U.S. Highway 27, from Ft.
White to Branford, and a shared-use trail from Lake City to the park’s north entrance.
PROPERTY ANALYSIS
Effective planning requires a thorough understanding of the unit’s natural and cultural
resources. This section describes the resource characteristics and existing uses of the
property. The unit’s recreation resource elements are examined to identify the
opportunities and constraints they present for recreational development. Past and
present uses are assessed for their effects on the property, compatibility with the site,
and relation to the unit’s classification.
Recreation Resource Elements
This section assesses the unit’s recreation resource elements those physical qualities
that, either singly or in certain combinations, supports the various resource-based
recreation activities. Breaking down the property into such elements provides a means
for measuring the property’s capability to support individual recreation activities. This
process also analyzes the existing spatial factors that either favor or limit the provision
of each activity.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park lies on either side of the pristine Ichetucknee River,
where clear water boils from a series of springs to create the beautiful wild river. The
river winds through outstanding examples of native lowland and upland forests that
support a number of endangered or threatened plant and animal species. Fossil remains
of prehistoric animals, numerous Indian artifacts, the remains of a large moonshine still
and the site of a 17th century Spanish mission have been found along the river. The
primary recreational resources of this park are the river and springs. Since acquiring the
park, the DRP has continuously worked to reduce environmental impacts through the
implementation of a recreational carrying capacity, as detailed earlier in the Visitor Use
44
Management section.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park contains approximately 2,500 acres of natural
landscapes, within reach of nearly 200,000 Florida residents, and easily accessible to
tourists traveling on Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 27. The general topography of the
park is relatively flat. The upland natural communities of this park include sandhill,
upland mixed forest and upland pine forest. The wetland communities include sinkhole,
sinkhole lake, dome, floodplain forest, floodplain swamp, floodplain marsh, spring-run
stream and aquatic caves.
The Ichetucknee River is the major water body in the park, and its headwaters and the
upper 3.5 miles lie within the park boundaries. The Ichetucknee River is considered by
some to be the pristine waterway in the United States. Within the park boundaries, eight
main springs, as well as numerous smaller, unnamed, seeps are associated with the river.
The river and its associated springs are typical of many of Florida’s spring fed streams,
and could provide an invaluable educational tool as a distinct example of a spring - stream
system.
Gopher tortoises, Sherman’s fox squirrel, the short-tailed snake, the southeastern
kestrel, the eastern indigo snake and gopher frogs are among the listed species found
within the park boundaries. The park is also the only known locality of the Ichetucknee
siltsnail. All listed species will be protected under established DRP management
policies, and visitor impacts will be carefully monitored to identify potential impacts.
The significant natural features of the park include both hydrological and vegetative
elements. The artesian springs, the pristine condition of the Ichetucknee River, and its
associated floodplain habitat are important to the interpretation of the natural
communities and hydrology of this area. The upland natural communities, especially
sandhill, are of utmost regional importance, since the park is one of the few remaining
areas in the region where this community remains. These features have been
recognized since 1972 and 1980 when the park was registered as a National Natural
Landmark and as a State Natural Feature Site, respectively.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park has the potential to contain many important historical
and archeological sites. As noted in the Cultural Resources section, there are 23
recorded sites with the park boundaries. In addition, the park itself has been recorded in
the Florida Master Site File as Ichetucknee River Archeological Zone. Despite this,
Ichetucknee Springs State Park has not been the subject of a comprehensive cultural
resources survey and further study is required to complete its historical record.
Assessment of Use
All legal boundaries, significant natural features, structures, facilities, roads, trails and
easements existing in the unit are delineated on the base map (see Base Map). Specific
45
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uses made of the unit are briefly described in the following sections.
Past Uses
Before acquisition by the state, phosphate mining, timbering and farming operations
occurred on the property. Phosphate mining occurred in two phases. During the first
phase, the phosphate boom era of the late 19th and early 20th century, phosphate
extraction pits were opened on the property, and ore was transported to the neighboring
communities, Ft. White or High Springs, via narrow gauge rail cars on the tram roads.
This period also marks a time when the park and its surrounding area were heavily
logged and converted into an agricultural landscape. The second phosphate phase
occurred when Loncala Phosphate, Inc. reopened the old pits, during the 1950's - 60's,
and scraped them for phosphate residues. The reminders of these rather recent past are
an overgrown mine pit, which has been incorporated into the nature trail near the Head
Spring, and a grist mill, located approximately 2 miles downstream of the Head Spring
that was once powered by Mill Springs Run.
Swimming and tubing are the traditional uses of the river and the springs. Since the
early 1960s, continually increasing recreational use of the river caused considerable
damage to the springs, river and shoreline vegetation. Visitor monitoring of
recreational impacts began in 1970 when the state acquired the property. Since 1990
when the current recreational carrying capacity was determined, and implemented, the
Ichetucknee River has made significant recoveries.
Recreational Uses
The recreational uses available at Ichetucknee Springs State Park include swimming,
tubing, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, picnicking, fishing and nature study. To
accommodate the park’s largest recreational user group, tubers, a park operated tram
system connects the mid-point put-in and the south end take-out points. A shuttle bus
operates between the north and south ends. The south take-out point and southern
parking area are designated tube turn-in points for several tube vendors that have tube
collection permits from the Division.
Other Uses
A large distribution sub-station, belonging to Florida Power Corporation, is located
midway along the park’s frontage with U.S. Highway 27. From this sub-station, three
powerline easements cross the park in a northwesterly direction.
Protected Zones
A protected zone is an area of high sensitivity or outstanding character from which most
types of development are excluded as a protective measure. Generally, facilities
requiring extensive land alteration or resulting in intensive resource use, such as parking
lots, camping areas, shops or maintenance areas, are not permitted in protected zones.
Facilities with minimal resource impacts, such as trails, interpretive signs, and
47
boardwalks are generally allowed. All decisions involving the use of protected zones
are made on a case-by-case basis after careful site planning and analysis.
At Ichetucknee Springs State Park the springs, river and associated hydric and mesic
communities have been designated as protected zones (see Natural Communities Map).
In addition, the park's western side, the floodplain and several locations of very
sensitive floral resources has also been designated as a protected zone (as marked on the
Conceptual Land Use Plan).
Existing Facilities
To the greatest extent possible, given the steep terrain along the river barrier-free access
is provided. During peak use hours, parking and user access related problems occur at
the north entrance and use area.
Recreational Facilities
Support Facilities (Continued)
North Use Area
Picnic tables (3)
Grills (15)
Nature Trail (0.8 mi.)
South Use Area
Boardwalk river access points (2)
Paved parking (400 vehicles)
Concession (1)
South Use Area
Large picnic shelter (6)
Medium picnic shelter (2)
Small picnic shelter (3)
Picnic tables (89)
Grills (42)
Entrance Station (2)
Tram shelter
Information booth
North Shop
Storage sheds (2)
Pole shelter (1)
Support Facilities
South Shop
Storage sheds (2)
Flammable storage building (1)
Equipment shelter (1)
North Use Area
Bathhouse (2)
Tube put-in boardwalk
Canoe launch
Paved parking (120 vehicles)
4” water wells (3)
Ranger residences (3)
Volunteer host sites (3)
Roads
Paved (3.3 mi.)
Service (5 mi.)
South Use Area
Restrooms (3)
CONCEPTUAL LAND USE PLAN
The following narrative represents the current conceptual land use proposal for this
park. As new information is provided regarding the environment of the park, cultural
resources, recreational use, and as new land is acquired, the conceptual land use plan
may be amended to address the new conditions (see Conceptual Land Use Plan). A
detailed development plan for the park and a site plan for specific facilities will be
developed based on this conceptual land use plan, as funding becomes available.
During the development of the unit management plan, the Division assesses potential
impacts of proposed uses on the resources of the property. Uses that could result in
unacceptable impacts are not included in the conceptual land use plan. Potential
impacts are more thoroughly identified and assessed through the site planning process
once funding is available for the development project. At that stage, design elements,
48
such as sewage disposal and stormwater management, and design constraints, such as
designated species or cultural site locations, are more thoroughly investigated.
Facilities are designed and constructed using best management practices to avoid
impacts and to mitigate those that cannot be avoided. Advanced wastewater treatment
or best available technology systems are applied for on-site sewage disposal.
Stormwater management systems are designed to minimize impervious surfaces to the
greatest extent feasible, and all facilities are designed and constructed using best
management practices to avoid impacts and to mitigate those that cannot be avoided.
Federal, state and local permit and regulatory requirements are met by the final design
of the projects. After new facilities are constructed, the park staff monitors conditions
to ensure that impacts remain within acceptable levels.
Potential Uses and Proposed Facilities
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is one of many recreational and natural areas in the
Florida that attracts large numbers of visitors. Resource-based outdoor recreation in
Florida continually increases in popularity. The growth of Florida’s resident and tourist
populations brings increasing pressure for more widespread access, and for denser
levels of public use in the natural areas available to the public. Consequently, one of
the greatest challenges for public land managers is the balancing of reasonable levels of
public access with the need to preserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources
of the protected landscapes.
In general, the existing recreational activities provided at Ichetucknee Springs State
Park are appropriate, and should continue at existing visitation levels. Some
improvements to park facilities and infrastructure are needed for the Division to fulfill
its responsibilities to provide outdoor recreation, and protect and enhance the natural
and cultural resources of the park. Natural and cultural resource interpretation and
environmental education as well as shared-use trails are the activities and facilities
proposed for Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Unsupervised public access to the known
cultural sites of the park is not recommended, but educational and interpretive tours by
qualified staff and volunteers should be important components of park programs.
Interpretation and environmental education. The education of recreational users
will become an issue of critical importance in the management of Ichetucknee Springs
State Park as population pressure continues to bring large numbers of visitors to the
park. Environmental stewardship issues, therefore, need to be brought to the attention
of park’s recreational users to effectively balance recreation with protection and
management of the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Toward this end, a system of environmental education and interpretation facilities is
recommended for Ichetucknee Springs State Park. This system will include a visitor
center for orientation and interpretation; an hydrological education center to highlight
this aquatic system; interpretive graphics and text displays at each of the proposed water
access facilities, recreational use areas and throughout the trail system, as well as
underwater displays in the river. Underwater displays are not proposed for the
50
headwater spring.
The visitor center would introduce the visitor to the natural and cultural resources of the
park, and inform visitors of other nature- and heritage-based tourism sites available in
the region. This facility should include a classroom and meeting space, an audio-visual
room for presentations, displays that orient the visitor to the natural and cultural
resources of the park, laboratory facilities, and an office to support the park’s
educational and interpretive programs.
The hydrological education center would highlight the park and regional hydrological
system. This facility will complement the interpretive activities occurring at the visitor
center, and allow users to visually simulate real-time hydrological processes in the
Ichetucknee system, and to view its response to environmental changes. This facility is
envisaged as a small structure or group of interpretive centers/exhibits that would utilize
self-explanatory audio-visual programs similar to "ExplorA-Pond" and "Surf Your
Watershed", as well as 3-D Object Watershed Link Simulation (OWLS) models.
Interpretive stations are recommended at each of the locations where visitors gain
access to natural or cultural resources through the park’s facilities or landscapes. For
example, interpretive displays regarding the natural communities of the park and its
cultural history would be located along the trails; the protection of aquatic flora and
fauna would be highlighted at the tubing launch areas and in underwater displays. All
of these displays would also identify the types of behavior that is encouraged in the
park, and would discourage perennial problem activities, such as littering.
Trails. Within the park boundaries, a shared-use, spur trail for pedestrians, bicyclists
and equestrians is recommended. This trail will be located on or along the existing
perimeter service road, and will allow visitors the opportunity to experience some of the
upland communities. The trail represents an opportunity for expanding the recreational
potential available to park visitors by connecting them to a larger, regional network of
public lands and facilities through the trail network proposed by the SRWMD’s
Greenways 2000 plan.
Interpretive signs should be added to both new and existing, as the establishment of a
clear system of trail markings is vital for resource protection, and for ensuring that users
have a clear spatial understanding of the trail network. To the extent possible, these
signs should be centrally located, with the express purpose of making visitors aware of
their location and the sensitivity of the resources at Ichetucknee Springs State Park.
As noted above, interpretive stations are recommended throughout the park, to inform
the public about the resource management activities occurring at the park, and
incorporating the larger preservation, stewardship, land use and cultural resource issues
related to this plan. Where fencing will be installed, visitors should be informed,
through interpretive signs and staff contact, of the reasons for the access restrictions.
51
In addition to the recommended trail, staff will survey, and evaluate the protected zone
for the potential to establish additional nature trails. Baseline data on natural resources
and regular monitoring of wildlife and plant species should be established before any
trail development.
Support facilities. It is recommended that the north entrance be relocated to the old
county road. This relocation will allow the DRP to improve visitor access by providing
approximately 1,000 feet of stacking distance, and relieve traffic congestion through the
installation of two entrance booths. The existing entrance road should be closed, and
the ranger station converted into an administrative office.
To alleviate traffic congestion at the southern entrance, a traffic “apron” should be
installed along U.S. Highway 27, in coordination with FDOT.
An additional volunteer host site is proposed near the southern boundary of the park.
This area includes some previously disturbed areas and where possible, improvement
will remain within the developed footprint of the existing facilities.
Two trail support areas are proposed in this plan. The first, a trail parking area, for up
to 15 vehicles, will be located south of U.S. Highway 27, and west of the Ichetucknee
River, and will serve as a temporary trailhead for the users of the Branford Ichetucknee trail. The second, a small mowed area adjacent to the visitor center, will
provide some hitching posts for those equestrian users who want to use the trails in
Ichetucknee River State Park, or any of the parks' other recreational facilities.
Additional renovations/improvements include the replacement of the floating docks at
the mid-point and Dampiers Landing; re-installation of the floating dock at the take-out
point; and internal renovations to the restrooms at the both the north and south ends.
The following is a summary of facilities needed to implement the conceptual land use
plan for Ichetucknee Springs State Park:
Recreation Facilities
South Use Area
Visitor Center
North Use Area
Interpretive signs
Entrance booth (2)
Re-pave old county road
Renovate restroom
Interpretive display in use areas
Underwater interpretive displays
Volunteer host site
Replace docks at mid-point
and Dampiers Landing (2)
Re-install floating dock at take-out point
Stabilized parking area south of U.S.
Highway 27
North Use Area
Hydrological education center
Interpretive signs
Support Facilities
South Use Area
Trailhead facilities
Traffic apron
Renovate restroom
52
Facilities Development
A list of proposed facilities to provide for enhanced recreational opportunities is
provided in Addendum 10. The cost estimates for the proposed facilities are based on
the most cost effective construction standards available.
Existing Use and Optimum Carrying Capacity
Carrying capacity is an estimate of the number of users a recreation resource or facility
can accommodate and still provide a high quality recreational experience and preserve
the natural values of the site. The carrying capacity of a unit is determined by
identifying the land and water requirements for each recreation activity at the unit, and
then applying these requirements to the unit’s land and water base. Next, guidelines are
applied which estimate the physical capacity of the unit’s natural communities to
withstand recreational uses without significant degradation. This analysis identifies a
range within which the carrying capacity most appropriate to the specific activity, the
activity site, and the unit’s classification is selected (see Table 1).
The optimum carrying capacity for this park is a preliminary estimate of the number of
users the unit could accommodate after the current conceptual development program
has been implemented. When developed, the proposed new facilities would
approximately increase the unit’s carrying capacity as shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1
Existing Use and Optimum Carrying Capacity
Activity/Facility
Existing
Capacity
Proposed
Additional
Capacity
One
Time
One
Time
Daily
Estimated
Optimum
Capacity
Daily
One
Time
Daily
Tubing / Canoeing
Entire River
Lower Half
Spring Diving
750
2,250
6
60
Hiking
Shared-use
20
80
TOTALS
26
750
2,250
6
60
80
60
Trails
Note:
3,140
20
60
20
20
20
60
46 3,200
The fragility of the aquatic resources is the limiting factor in determining the recreational
carrying capacity of this park. The picnicking facilities, visitor center and hydrological
education center are assumed to serve the same recreational user base as the tubing/canoeing
activities, therefore, no carrying capacity is determined for them.
Optimum Boundary
As additional needs are identified through park use, development, research, and as
53
adjacent land uses change on private properties, modification of the unit’s optimum
boundary may occur for the enhancement of natural and cultural resources, recreational
values and management efficiency. At this time, no lands are considered surplus to the
needs of the park.
Approximately 8,500 acres has been identified as desirable for addition to Ichetucknee
Springs State Park. The majority of the additional land lies to the northwest of the park
and contains significant examples of longleaf pine and xeric oak sandhill community.
The area will offer additional protected territory for listed species, such as the
Sherman's fox squirrel and the Southeastern American Kestrel, and other species.
Several aquatic caves exist within the area, which may or may not have a relationship
with the springs. Data to demonstrate any relationship is not available at this time.
The recommended additions immediately north of the park have a significant,
demonstrated relationship with the spring system. The threat of development in the
vicinity of the state park is a constant. Acquisition of these recommended areas will
help to protect the surface and groundwater that flows into the Ichetucknee Springs and
River.
The lands immediately adjacent to the park on the east, south and west are considered
desirable for many of the reasons discussed above. These areas also have resource
elements that will compliment the recreational resources and opportunities now found
within the state park.
54
ADDENDUM 1
ACQUISITION HISTORY
AND
LEASE AGREEMENT NUMBER 2459
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
ACQUISITION HISTORY
Sequence of Acquisition
On January 6, 1970, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund
(Trustees) obtained title to the property which is known as Ichetucknee Springs State
Park. The property was purchased with funds from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund
(LATF) and comprises 2,276.88 acres.
Title Interest
The Trustees hold fee simple title to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. On September 4,
1970, the Trustees conveyed management authority of Ichetucknee Springs State Park
to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of Recreation and
Parks (DRP) under lease No. 2459. The lease is for a period of ninety-nine (99) years
and will expire on September 4, 2069.
Special Conditions on Use
In accordance with the Department's lease agreement with the Board of Trustees, the
property must be utilized for public outdoor recreation and related purposes. In
accordance with the lease, the property is to be managed for the purpose of preserving,
developing, improving, operating, maintaining and otherwise managing said lands for
public outdoor recreational, park, conservation, and related purposes. Ichetucknee
Springs State Park is designated as single use to provide public outdoor recreation and
related purposes.
Outstanding Reservations
Following is a listing of outstanding rights, reservations, and encumbrances that apply
to Itchetucknee Springs State Park.
A copy of the Trustees Lease Agreement #2459 is available upon request.
A 1 - 1
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
ACQUISITION HISTORY
INSTRUMENT:
INSTRUMENT HOLDER:
BEGINNING DATE:
ENDING DATE:
OUTSTANDING RIGHTS, USES, ETC.:
Easement
The Trustees
March 12, 1996
March 11, 2046
This 50-year easement granted to Suwannee
Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. for
construction and maintenance of a primary
voltage distribution powerline. The easement
is subject to automatic termination when, in
the opinion of the Trustees, the subject
property is not used for the purposes outlined
in the instrument.
INSTRUMENT:
INSTRUMENT HOLDER:
BEGINNING DATE:
ENDING DATE:
OUTSTANDING RIGHTS, USES, ETC.:
Easement
DEP
April 2, 1982
coterminous with Lease No. 2459
DEP granted this easement to Florida Power
Corporation for the purposes of constructing,
installing, operating, and maintaining a
distribution system for the transmission and
distribution of electricity over a portion of
Ichetucknee springs State Park. When the
subject lands are not used for the purpose
outlined in the easement, the easement shall
terminate and all rights conveyed shall
automatically revert to the Trustees.
INSTRUMENT:
INSTRUMENT HOLDER:
BEGINNING DATE:
ENDING DATE:
OUTSTANDING RIGHTS, USES, ETC.:
Easement
The Trustees
February 23, 1971
No ending date is given.
The Trustees granted this easement to the
Board of County Commissioners of Columbia
County, a political division of the State of
Florida, for road right-of-way across a portion
of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The
easement is subject to automatic reversion to
the Trustees when, in the opinion of the
Trustees, said lands are not utilized for the
purpose stated in the easement.
A 1 - 2
ADDENDUM 2
REFERENCES CITED
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
REFERENCES CITED
Bass, D. G. and D. T. Cox. 1985. River habitat and fishery resources of Florida. pp. 121-187.
In Florida Aquatic Habitat and Fishery Resources. W. Seaman Jr., Editor. Florida
Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Kissimmee, Florida.
Bradbury, A. G. and E. S. Hallock. 1962. Chronology of Florida Post Offices. Florida
Federation of Stamp Clubs.
Brooks, H. K. 1982. Physiographic divisions of Florida. Center for Environmental and
Natural Resources Programs, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville.
Canfield, D. E. and M. V. Hoyer. 1988. The nutrient assimilation capacity of the Little Wekiva
River, Final Report. Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. IFAS, University of
Florida, Gainesville.
Clauser, J.W. 1973. Archaeological Excavations at Ichetucknee Springs, Suwannee County,
Florida. Miscellaneous Project Report Series Number 10, Bureau of Historic Sites and
Properties, Division of Archives, History, and Records Management, Florida
Department of State.
Cring, D. F. 1986. Dampier Landing Site (Ichetucknee River--Columbia County, Florida)
Testing for Site Integrity of a Pre-historic Underwater Site. Florida Bureau of
Archaeological Research, Florida Master Site File, Survey Number 3037.
Deagan, K. 1972. Fig Springs: The Mid-Seventeenth Century in North-Central Florida.
Historical Archaeology 6:23-46.
Doig, V. R. 1992. Note for park file: Notes from a conversation with Mr. John Hill, President
of Loncala Phosphate, Inc. November 12, 1992.
Duever et al. 1997. Old Bellamy Road project. Final report prepared for Division of
Recreation and Parks, FDEP and Florida Department of Transporation.
Dutoit, C. H. 1979. The carrying capacity of the Ichetucknee Springs and River.
University of Florida, MS Thesis. 176 pp.
FDEP. 1996. Ichetucknee Trace baseline monitoring, 1996. Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, Chemistry Section, Central Laboratory. 15 pp.
FDEP. 1997. Biological assessment of the Ichetucknee River Columbia County. Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, Biology Section. 15 pp.
Gordon, S. L. 1998. Surface and ground water mixing in an unconfined karst aquifer,
Ichetucknee River ground water basin, Florida. University of Florida. 121 pp.
Herring, B. J. 1994. A floristic study of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Suwannee and
Columbia counties, Florida. University of Florida, MS Thesis. 199 pp.
Herring, B. J. and W. S. Judd. 1995. A floristic study of Ichetucknee Springs State Park,
Suwannee and Columbia Counties, Florida. Castanea 60(4): 318-369.
Hirth, D. K. 1995. Hydrogeochemical characterization of the Ichetucknee River
groundwater basin using multiple tracers and computer modeling near Lake City,
Florida. University of Florida, MS Thesis. 116 pp.
Houston, T. B. et al. 1965. Soil Survey, Suwannee County, Florida. Series 1961, No. 21. U. S.
Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.
Howell, D. A. 1984. Soil Survey of Columbia County, Florida. U. S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service. 187 pp. + maps.
Hunn, J. D. and L. J. Slack. 1983. Water resources of the Santa Fe River Basin, Florida: U. S.
Geological Survey, Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4075. 105 pp.
Johnson, K. W. 1990. Discovery of a Seventeenth-Century Spanish Mission in Ichetucknee
A 2 - 1
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
REFERENCES CITED
State Park, 1986. Florida Journal of Anthropology 15: 39-46.
Kaufman, M. I. 1975. Color of water in Florida streams and canals. Bureau of Geology Map
Series Number 35. Florida Department of Natural Resources. Tallahassee, Florida.
MacLaren, P. A. and D. K. Younker. 1989. Biological assessment of the Ichetucknee River.
Florida Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Scientific and Technical Services.
10 pp.
Puri, H. S. and R. O Vernon. 1964. Summary of the geology of Florida and a guide
book to the classic exposures. Florida Geologic Survey Special Publication
Number 5 (revised). 312 pp.
Rosenau, J. C., G. L. Faulkner, C. W. Hendry, and R. W. Hull. 1977. Springs of Florida.
Bulletin 31 (Revised). United States Geological Survey.
Skiles, W. A., A. Hayes and P. L. Butt. 1991. Ichetucknee hydrogeology study. Karst
Environmental Services, High Springs, Florida. 150 pp.
Thompson, F. G. 1989. Letter to Joe Knoll, Acting Director, Division of Recreation
and Parks, Department of Natural Resources. May 8, 1989.
Weisman, B. R. 1989. Preliminary Report of Archaeological Investigations: Mill Pond
and Midpoint Mound Sites. Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research, Florida
Master Site File, Survey Number 3221.
Weisman, B. R. 1990. Letter to Tullie Taylor, Bureau of Archaeological Research,
Florida Master Site File. February 22, 1990.
Weisman, B. R. 1991. Archaeology of Fig Springs mission, Ichetucknee Springs State
Park. The Florida Anthropologist. 44: 187-203.
Weisman, B. R. 1992. Excavations on the Franciscan Frontier: Archaeology at the Fig
Springs Mission. University Press of Florida, Gainesville. 250 pp.
Younker, D. K. 1999. Resource Management Evaluation, Ichetucknee Springs State
Park. FDEP, Division of Recreation and Parks.
A 2 - 2
ADDENDUM 3
SOIL DESCRIPTIONS
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
SOIL DESCRIPTIONS
COLUMBIA COUNTY
(3) Alpin fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes - This is an excessively drained, nearly level
to gently sloping soil on broad, slightly elevated ridges. The areas of this soil range
from 4 to about 2,000 acres and are circular to irregularly elongated.
Typically, the surface layer is grayish brown fine sand about 6 inches thick. The
subsurface layer is fine sand and extends to a depth of 52 inches. In the upper 9 inches,
it is pale brown; in the next 12 inches, it is pale brown with common uncoated sand
grains; in the next 11 inches, it is very pale brown with light yellowish brown mottles.
The subsoil extends to a depth of 80 inches or more. It is very pale brown fine sand and
has common uncoated sand grains and common yellowish brown horizontal bands of
loamy fine sand 0.1 to 0.5 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of Blanton, Lakeland, Chipley, and
Albany soils. Also included are small areas of soils that have limestone at a depth of 80
inches. These soils make up less than 20 percent of the map unit.
The Alpin soil does not have a water table within a depth of 80 inches at any time. The
available water capacity is low. Permeability is rapid in the subsurface layer and
moderately rapid in the surface layer and subsoil. Natural fertility is low. The organic
matter content is moderately low in the surface layer and low in all layers below that.
(8) Blanton fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes - This is a moderately well drained, nearly
level to gently sloping soil on broad ridges and undulating side slopes. The areas of this
soil range from about 20 to 1,000 acres and area irregular in shape.
Typically, the surface layer is gray fine sand about 7 inches thick. The subsurface layer
is very pale brown fine sand in the upper 30 inches and light gray fine sand in the lower
15 inches. The subsoil extends to a depth of 80 inches. In the upper 10 inches, it is
light yellowish brown fine sandy loam with brownish yellow mottles; in the next 5
inches, it is very pale brown with strong brown and pale brown mottles; and in the
lower part, it is light brownish gray fine sandy loam with strong brown mottles.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of Albany, Alpin, Chipley, Lakeland,
Ocilla, Troup, and Bonneau soils. These soils make up less than 15 percent of the map
unit.
This Blanton soil has a water table at a depth of 5 to 6 feet most of the year. In wet
seasons, a perched water table is above the subsoil for less than a month. The available
water capacity is medium in the surface layer and low in the subsurface layer and
subsoil. Permeability is rapid in the surface and subsurface layers and moderate in the
subsoil. Natural fertility and the organic matter content are low.
(13) Bonneau fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes - This is a moderately well drained,
gently sloping soil on uplands and on knolls in the uplands. The areas of this soil range
A 3 - 1
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
SOIL DESCRIPTIONS
from 3 to 300 acres and are circular.
Typically, the surface layer is grayish brown fine sand about 7 inches thick. The
subsurface layer is fine sand about 20 inches thick. In the upper 8 inches, it is yellowish
brown, and below that, it is yellowish brown fine sandy loam; in the next 22 inches, it is
very pale brown, yellowish red, and grayish brown clay loam with pockets of fine sandy
loam; and in the lower part it is gray and pink sandy clay loam.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of Luck, Ocilla, Blanton, Goldsboro,
and Ichetucknee soils. These soils make up less than 20 percent of the map unit.
This Bonneau soils has a water table at a depth of 40 to 72 inches for 1 or 2 months
during rainy periods in most years. Otherwise, the water table is below a depth of 72
inches. The available water capacity is low in the subsoil and medium in the lower part
of the subsoil. Permeability is rapid in the surface and subsurface layers and moderate
in the subsoil. Natural fertility is moderate. The organic matter content is very low.
(19) Chiefland-Pedro Variant complex, occasionally flooded - This complex consists
of nearly level to sloping soils that are within 3 miles of rivers and creeks interspersed
with numerous sinkholes. These soils are flooded periodically from river overflow after
unusually high rainfall. There have been three major floods since 1948. They occurred
in the period April to June. The areas of these soils are so small or so intermingled that
it was not practical to map them separately. The areas of this complex range from 5 to
80 acres.
The Chiefland soils makes up about 41 percent of the complex. Typically, the surface
layer is about 5 inches of dark grayish brown fine sand. The subsurface layer is light
brownish gray fine sand to a depth of 23 inches. The upper 3 inches of the sandy clay
loam subsoil is dark brown, and the lower part is strong brown. It is underlain by
limestone.
The Chiefland soils has no water table within a depth of 72 inches. Permeability is
rapid in the surface and subsurface layers and moderate in the subsoil. The available
water capacity is very low in the surface and subsurface layers and medium in the
subsoil. The natural fertility and organic matter content are very low.
The Pedro Variant soils makes up about 39 percent of the complex. Typically, the
surface layer is gray fine sand about 3 inches thick. The fine sand subsurface layer is
dark brown about 5 inches thick. The subsoil is dark brown sandy clay loam about 3
inches thick. It is underlain by about 3 inches of soft weathered limestone. Below that,
hard limestone extends to a depth of 80 inches or more.
The Pedro Variant soil has no water table within a depth of 72 inches. Permeability is
rapid in the surface and subsurface layers and moderately rapid in the subsoil. The
available water capacity is very low in the surface and subsurface layers and medium in
the subsoil. The natural fertility and organic matter content are low.
A 3 - 2
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
SOIL DESCRIPTIONS
(27) Ichetucknee fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes - This is somewhat poorly drained,
gently sloping soil on small knolls and undulating terrain on erosional uplands. The
areas range
from 5 to 70 acres and are irregularly shaped.
Typically, the surface layer is gray fine sand about 5 inches thick. The subsurface layer
is light gray fine sand with very pale brown splotches about 8 inches thick. The clay
subsoil extends to a depth of 55 inches. The upper 26 inches is pale brown with gray,
red, and brownish yellow mottles and the lower 16 inches is yellowish red. Limestone
bedrock is at a depth of 55 inches.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of Bonneau and Goldsboro soils.
Also included are areas of soils that are similar to the Ichetucknee soil, but some have a
clayey surface layer, some are saturated for 2 to 4 months because of hillside seepage,
and some have bedrock within a depth of 40 inches. The included soils make up about
25 percent of the map unit.
This Ichetucknee soil has a perched water table at a depth of 1 1/2 to 3 feet for 1 to 4
months. The soil is saturated after heavy rains. The available water capacity is medium
in the surface and subsurface layers and in the lower part of the subsoil. It is low in the
upper part of the subsoil. Permeability is rapid in the surface and subsurface layers and
slow in the subsoil. Natural fertility is moderate. The organic matter content is
moderate in the surface layer and moderately low in the subsurface layer and subsoil.
(29) Lakeland fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes - This is an excessively drained, nearly
level to gently sloping soil on broad, slightly elevated ridges. The areas range from 8 to
1,500 acres.
Typically, the surface layer is grayish brown fine sand about 6 inches thick. Below that,
in sequence, there is to a depth of 20 inches, light yellowish brown fine sand; to a depth
of 55 inches, very pale brown fine sand with light yellowish brown splotches; and to a
depth of 80 inches or more, very pale brown fine sand with yellow mottles.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of Alpin, Blanton, Troup, and
Chipley soils. Also included area soils that are similar to the Lakeland soil except that
they have limestone deposits within a depth of 80 inches. The included soils make up
less than 10 percent of the map unit.
This Lakeland soil does not have a water table within a depth of 80 inches at any time.
The available water capacity is low. Permeability is rapid. Natural fertility and the
content of organic matter are very low.
(52) Plummer fine sand, depressional - This is a nearly level, poorly drained soil in
depressions. The areas range from 5 to 80 acres and are circular or irregularly shaped.
The slope is less than 2 percent.
A 3 - 3
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
SOIL DESCRIPTIONS
Typically, the surface layer is gray fine sand about 5 inches thick. The subsurface layer
is light gray fine sand and extends to a depth of 75 inches. It is gray sandy clay loam
with yellow, strong brown, and very pale brown mottles. The substratum is white fine
sand and extends to a depth of more than 80 inches.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of Surrency and Pelham soils, but
some have a clayey subsoil, some have phosphatic pebbles and iron concretions, and
others have weakly cement organic-stained layers in the subsurface layer. The included
soils make up less than 15 percent of the map unit.
(53) Plummer fine sand, occasionally flooded - This is a poorly drained, nearly level
soil on the flood plains or rivers and streams. This soil is flooded occasionally after
heavy and prolonged rains. A sharp rise in the water level causes the rivers and streams
to overflow. The lowlands remain flooded for approximately 30 days and the
depressions, which drain by percolation and seepage, for longer periods. This soil has
been flooded in March or April in about 1 year out of 10. The slope is less than 2
percent.
Typically, the surface layer is dark gray fine sand about 4 inches thick. The subsurface
layer is light gray fine sand to a depth of 55 inches. The subsoil is gray sandy clay loam
and has pockets of sandy clay. This layer extends to a depth of 80 inches or more.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of Mascotte, Pelham, and Electra
Variant soils. Also included are small areas of soils that are similar to the Plummer soil,
but some do not have a loamy subsoil, some have a clay subsoil, some have slopes
ranging up to 12 percent, and some have ironstone fragments in the profile. The
included soils make up about 25 percent of the map unit.
The Plummer soil has a water table within a depth of 15 inches for 6 to 8 months during
most years. The water table recedes to a depth of more than 40 inches during very dry
periods. The available water capacity is low in the surface and subsurface layers and
medium in the subsoil.
Permeability is rapid in the surface and subsurface layers and moderately slow in the
subsoil. Natural fertility and the organic matter content are low.
(61) Udorthents, 0 to 2 percent slopes - These soils are near abandoned phosphate
mining areas. They formed in refuse that was washed from the phosphate and
limestone during mining operations. The refuse was deposited over the nearby soils to
a thickness of 20 to 50 inches or more. Individual areas are mainly irregular in shape
and range from 5 to 35 acres in size. The slope is less than 2 percent.
The texture and thickness of the soil layers vary, but one of the more common profiles
has a very dark gray silt loam surface layer about 1 inch thick. The next layer is
underlain by 22 inches of very pale brown silty clay. The next 16 inches is light gray
A 3 - 4
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
SOIL DESCRIPTIONS
clay. Below this to a depth of 80 inches or more is and undisturbed buried soil that is
mostly very dark gray and light yellowish brown fine sand.
Included in mapping are small areas of Alpin, Blanton, and Bonneau soils. These soils
make up less than 5 percent of the map unit.
The water table is at a depth of 60 to 72 inches for 1 to 2 months during most years. A
perched water table is at the surface for short periods after heavy rains. The available
water capacity is high in the silty and clayey overburden and low in the buried sandy
buried soil. Natural fertility of the surface and subsurface layers is medium. The
organic matter content is moderate.
SUWANNEE COUNTY
(Al) Alluvial land - This nearly level land type consists of sediment from many
different kinds of soils. It occurs on first bottoms and is frequently flooded. It varies
widely in drainage and permeability, and in texture and color also, because amount and
kind of sediment both differ from area to area and even within one area. The soil
material deposited along stream channels is predominantly sand and loamy sand. The
deposits away from the stream channels are finer textured material. In the more poorly
drained areas, the soil material is gray and light gray. Associate with Alluvial land are
Plummer and Blanton soils and the Blanton-Kalmia-Leaf complex. Frequent flooding
and variable drainage generally make Alluvial land unsuitable for agriculture.
(Mp) Mining pits and dumps - Mining pits and dumps is a miscellaneous land type
that varies widely in texture, consistence, and structure. Areas of this land type occur 1
mile north of Live Oak and 3 miles east of Branford. The wide range of land conditions
is a result of the areas where soil and underlying minerals have been removed are
scarred with pits and trenches and dotted with piles of waste material. These areas have
little or no agricultural value.
(BtB) Blanton-Chiefland fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes - The soil complex
consists of deep, light-colored, excessively drained soils. They were mapped together
as one unit in places where they are so intricately mixed that it was impractical to
separate them on the soil map. The proportion of each soil is variable, but most areas
are roughly 70 percent Blanton fine sand and 30 percent Chiefland fine sand. These
soils are described separately under their respective series.
A few small areas, mostly around sinks, that have slopes steeper than 5 percent were
included in mapping this complex.
Limestone is 3 to 10 feet from the surface of these soils. The limestone underlying the
Chiefland soil is near enough the surface to affect soil properties. The Blanton soil is
strongly acid to a depth of 48 inches or more.
Natural fertility and the organic-matter content are low in both soils. Permeability is
A 3 - 5
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
SOIL DESCRIPTIONS
rapid, and the available moisture capacity is low. Water erosion is only a slight hazard,
but wind erosion is a severe hazard in unprotected fields.
(BmB) Blanton fine sand, low, 0 to 5 percent slopes - This is a deep, moderately well
drained, light-colored, sandy soil. Typically, the surface layer is a light gray to darkgray, loose fine sand about 7 inches thick. Below that, in sequence, there is to a depth
of 28 inches, light-gray to pale-brown, loose fine sand; to a depth of 59 inches lightgray to whitish, loose fine sand; and to a depth of 59 inches or more, a yellowishbrown, variable fine sandy clay loam mottled with gray and red with a subangular block
structure.
The surface layer generally is 3 to 7 inches thick. It grades into the underlying layers,
which are more than 36 inches thick. The soil material at a depth of about 6 feet is fine
sandy clay loam or sandy clay mottled with yellow, brown, red, and dark gray.
This soil has characteristics similar to those of Blanton fine sand, high, 0 to 5 percent,
but it is in a lower position where the water table is nearer the surface. Normally, the
water table is between 36 and 60 inches from the surface, but it may rise into the root
zone for a short time in wet seasons.
(BmC) Blanton fine sand, low 5 to 8 percent slopes - This soil usually occurs as
small isolated areas on short breaks associated with Blanton fine sand, low, 0 to 5
percent slopes. In some places the soil is wetter at the bottom of the slope than at the
top because of seepage. This soil is more susceptible to erosion by both wind and water
than Blanton fine sand, low, 0 to 5 percent slopes, and in many cultivated areas wind
and water have removed much of the original surface soil and have exposed the lighter
colored underlying sand. This soil is well suited to pasture and to pine trees.
(BfB) Blanton fine sand, high 0 to 5 percent slopes - This is a deep, excessively
drained, light-colored, sandy soil on knolls and ridges well above the ground-water
level. Typically, the surface layer to a depth of 3 inches is gray loose fine sand. Below
that, in sequence, there is to a depth of 84 inches, light-gray to very pale brown fine
sand; and to a depth of 116 inches, white fine sand mottled with yellow.
The surface layer is gray or light gray and 3 to 7 inches thick. The subsurface layers
range from pale brown to white and are several feet thick. This soil is strongly acid,
low in natural fertility, and low in organic-matter content. Permeability is rapid, and the
available moisture capacity is low. The water table is normally at a depth below 48
inches and does not affect most crops.
A 3 - 6
ADDENDUM 4
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
(13) Sandhill. - (synonyms: longleaf pine - turkey oak, longleaf pine - xerophytic oak,
longleaf pine - deciduous oak, high pine). Sandhills are characterized as a forest of
widely spaced pine trees with a sparse understory of deciduous oaks and a fairly dense
ground cover of grasses and herbs on rolling hills of sand. The most typical associations
are dominated by longleaf pine, turkey oak, and wiregrass. Other typical plants include
bluejack oak, sand post oak, sparkleberry, persimmon, winged sumac, pinewoods
dropseed, Indian grass, wild buckwheat, queen's delight, yellow foxglove, bracken fern,
runner oak, goats rue, partridge pea, milk pea, dollarweeds, wild indigo, gopher apple,
and golden-aster. Typical animals include tiger salamander, barking treefrog, spadefoot
toad, gopher frog, gopher tortoise, worm lizard, fence lizard, mole skink, indigo snake,
coachwhip snake, pine snake, short-tailed snake, crowned snake, eastern diamondback
rattlesnake, bobwhite, ground dove, red-headed woodpecker, rufous-sided towhee, fox
squirrel and pocket gopher.
Sandhills occur on hilltops and slopes of gently rolling hills. Their soils are composed
of deep, marine-deposited, yellowish sands that are well-drained and relatively sterile.
The easily leached soil nutrients are brought back to the surface by the burrowing habits
of some sandhill animals. Sandhills are important aquifer recharge areas because the
porous sands allow water to move rapidly through with little runoff and minimal
evaporation. The deep sandy soils help create a xeric environment that is accentuated
by the scattered overstory, which allows more sunlight to penetrate and warm the
ground. The absence of a closed canopy also allows Sandhills to cool more rapidly at
night and to retain less air moisture. Thus, temperature and humidity fluctuations are
generally greater in Sandhills than in nearby closed canopy forests.
Fire is a dominant factor in the ecology of this community. Sandhills are a fire climax
community, being dependent on frequent ground fires to reduce hardwood competition
and to perpetuate pines and grasses. The natural fire frequency appears to be every 2 to
5 years. Without frequent fires, Sandhills may eventually succeed to Xeric Hammock.
Unburned or cutover Sandhills may be dominated by turkey oak.
Sandhills are often associated with and grade into Scrub, Scrubby Flatwoods, Mesic
Flatwoods, Upland Pine Forest, or Xeric Hammock. Sandhills were widespread
throughout the Coastal Plain, but most have been degraded by timbering, overgrazing,
plowing, fire exclusion, and other disturbances. Much of Florida's Sandhill
communities have been converted to citrus groves, pastures, pine plantations, or
residential and commercial developments. Thus, the importance of properly managing
the remaining tracts is accentuated.
(17) Sinkhole. - (synonyms: lime sink, sink, solution pit, cenote, grotto, doline,
chimney hole, banana hole). Sinkholes are generally characterized as cylindrical or
conical depressions with steep limestone walls. Those which drain readily and only
contain standing water during or for short periods following heavy rains are considered
to be Sinkholes, while those which contain water throughout most of the year and dry
down only during extreme droughts are considered to be Sinkhole Lakes. The
A 4 - 1
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
differences between these two communities are often subtle. They may occur together if
the upper portions of the limestone are typically above water level, while the lower
portions are typically below water level.
The vegetative structure of Sinkholes may be that of a well-developed forest where
sands cover the rock and/or the sides of the Sinkholes are moderately sloped. These
conditions are typically confined to the upper portions and around the rim of the
Sinkhole. Steeper rock walls are generally more or less covered by mosses, liverworts,
and ferns with occasional herbs and shrubs in crevices. Typical plants include southern
magnolia, sweetgum, wax myrtle, wild grape, Virginia creeper, poison ivy,
partridgeberry,greenbrier, water oak, flowering dogwood, horse sugar, sparkleberry,
diamond-leaf oak, live oak, hophornbeam, tupelo, white ash, Florida maple, pignut
hickory, beautyberry, and gum bumelia. Steep rock walls are more or less covered by a
variety of mosses, liverworts, ferns and sometimes herbs, including such rare and
threatened species as Venus'-hair fern and halberd fern. Sinkholes provide habitat for
relictual populations of many species of salamanders and invertebrates that would be
unable to survive in otherwise drier areas.
Sinkholes are most common in karst areas where the underlying limestone has been
riddled with solution cavities by the chemical and physical actions of underground
waters. As these cavities enlarge and become interconnected, large underwater caverns
develop. When water tables drop, the cavern roof is no longer supported by the
hydrostatic pressure and portions of it may collapse, leaving a deep cylindrical or
conical surface depression known as a Sinkhole. The organic and mineral debris that
collapsed into the cavity may partially occlude, but generally does not completely block,
the Sinkhole's connections with the underground water table. Thus, Sinkholes
frequently function as aquifer recharge areas. Some Sinkholes are the relics of ancient
springs or swallowholes, flow having ceased because of lower water tables. The relic
stream bed may still be discernible, but has been obliterated in most cases.
Steep limestone walls generally restrict soils to organic accumulations in cracks and
crevices. Where the sides of a sinkhole have collapsed, sands may have slumped over
the limestone, creating conditions similar to a Slope Forest.
Sinkholes generally have a very moist microclimate. The depression itself helps protect
the Sinkhole from drying winds, while the fringe of trees surrounding the Sinkhole often
from a nearly complete canopy which shelters the Sinkhole from intensive insolation.
Additionally, seepage from the surrounding uplands may slowly moisten the walls,
while the frequent presence of standing water contributes to high humidity. These
conditions may also buffer temperature extremes, allowing a unique mixture of tropical
and temperate flora to exist in many Florida Sinkholes.
Sinkholes and Sinkhole Lakes are often the antecedents of other Lacustrine and
Palustrine communities, including Dome Swamp; Depression Marsh; and Sandhill
Upland, Flatwoods and Prairie Lakes. When several Sinkholes coalesce, Basin Marsh
A 4 - 2
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
or Swamp and Clastic Upland, Marsh or Swamp Lakes may eventually develop. Thus,
the distinctions between Sinkhole communities and other related communities are
frequently subtle, as one very gradually succeeds to another. The limestone dissolution
processes that initiated their development continue, and subsequent droughts which
lower ground water tables could renew the Sinkhole development process.
Sinkholes are extremely fragile communities. Their popularity as recreational areas
subjects their flora to trampling and their steep walls to severe erosion from foot traffic
and, in some cases, from dirt bikes. Sinkhole Lakes attract swimmers and divers whose
activities may disturb the aquatic community as well. The unique flora of many
Sinkholes has made them additionally vulnerable to overcollection.
Sinkholes are frequently used as dump sites. These activities will degrade water quality
in the Sinkhole and eventually the underground aquifer. Thus, litter and refuse should
be removed promptly when they occur. Similarly, pollution of the water supplies
(aquifer and seepage sources) should be avoided. Chemical applications, waste
treatments, and spills on the surrounding upland should be closely monitored to
determine their potential impacts and mitigation requirements.
The delicate microclimate of Sinkholes may also be easily disturbed by activities in the
surrounding areas. Logging of the surrounding canopy will increase both insolation and
sedimentation levels, while major soil disturbances in the surrounding uplands could
disrupt seepage water sources. Large withdrawals of groundwater nearby could
substantially lower water tables and reduce the hydroperiods of Sinkhole Lakes. Any of
these activities could significantly alter the microclimate and induce deleterious
vegetational responses. Likewise, the invasion of exotic plant species is also a concern
in these important communities.
(20/21) Upland hardwood forest and upland mixed forest. - (synonyms: mesic
hammock, climax hardwoods, upland hardwoods, beech-magnolia climax, oakmagnolia
climax, pine-oak-hickory association, southern mixed hardwoods, clay hills hammocks,
Piedmont forest). Upland Hardwoood Forests and Upland Mixed Forests are
characterized as well-developed, closed-canopy forests of upland hardwoods on rolling
hills. These communities have quite similar physical environments and share many
species, including southern magnolia, pignut hickory, sweetgum, Florida maple, devil's
walking stick, American hornbeam, redbud, flowering dogwood, Carolina holly,
American holly, eastern hophornbeam, spruce pine, loblolly pine, live oak, and swamp
chestnut oak, among others. The primary difference between these communities is that
Upland Mixed Forests generally lack shortleaf pine, American beech and other more
northern species that typically occur in Upland Hardwood Forests. This is
predominantly a result of minor climatic differences, Upland Hardwood Forests being
most common in Northern panhandle Florida, and Upland Mixed Forests being most
common in northern and central peninsula Florida. Other typical plants include gum
bumelia, hackberry, persimmon, red cedar, red mulberry, wild olive, redbay, laurel
cherry, black cherry, bluff oak, water oak, cabbage palm, basswood, winged elm,
A 4 - 3
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
Florida elm, sparkleberry, Hercules' club, slippery elm, beautyberry, partridgeberry,
sarsaparilla vine, greenbrier, trilliums, beech drops, passion flower, bedstraw,
strawberry bush, silverbell, caric sedges, fringe tree, horse sugar, white oak, and
blackgum. Typical animals include slimy salamander, Cope's gray treefrog, bronze frog,
box turtle, eastern glass lizard, green anole, broadhead skink, ground skink, red-bellied
snake, gray rat snake, rough green snake, coral snake, woodcock, barred owl, pileated
woodpecker, shrews, eastern mole, gray squirrel, wood rat, cotton mouse, gray fox, and
white-tailed deer.
Upland Hardwood and Mixed Forests occur on rolling hills that often have limestone or
phosphatic rock near the surface and occasionally as outcrops. Soils are generally
sandy-clays or clayey sands with substantial organic and often calcareous components.
The topography and clayey soils increase surface water runoff, although this is
counterbalanced by the moisture retention properties of clays and by the often thick
layer of leaf mulch which helps conserve soil moisture and create decidedly mesic
conditions. Furthermore, the canopy is densely closed, except during winter in areas
where deciduous trees predominate. Thus, air movement and light penetration are
generally low, making the humidity high and relatively constant. Because of these
conditions Upland Hardwood and Mixed Forests rarely burn.
Upland Hardwood Forests and Upland Mixed Forests are climax communities for their
respective geographic locations. They are often associated with and grade into Upland
Pine Forest, Slope Forest or Xeric Hammock. Occasionally, Upland Mixed Forests may
also grade into Maritime Hammock or Prairie Hammock. During early stages of
succession, Upland Hardwood and Mixed Forest may be difficult to distinguish from
Upland Pine Forests that have not been burned for several years. Disturbed sites may
require hundreds of years to reach full development with species compositions
representative of climax conditions.
Silvicultural, agricultural, industrial, and residential developments have already
eliminated the vast bulk of these communities. These activities are continuing at an
accelerated pace in many areas, such that the few remnant mature examples are in
urgent need of protection and proper management.
(22) Upland pine forest - (synonyms: longleaf pine upland forest, loblolly-shortleaf
upland forest, clay hills, high pineland). Upland Pine Forest is characterized as a rolling
forest of widely spaced pines with few understory shrubs and a dense ground cover of
grasses and herbs. Pristine areas are dominated by longleaf pine and wiregrass, while
areas that suffered agricultural disturbances are dominated generally by shortleaf and
loblolly pines and old field grasses and herbs. Other typical plants include southern red
oak, runner oak, bluejack oak, black jack oak, post oak, sassafras, black cherry,
gallberry, persimmon, mockernut hickory, twinflower, huckleberry, dangleberry,
goldenrod, Indian grass, partridge pea, goats rue, winged sumac, blueberry, dog fennel,
snakeroot, golden-aster, yellow jessamine, broomsedge, asters, pencil flower, bracken
fern, greenbrier, fox grape, flowering dogwood, sweetgum, and blackgum. Typical
A 4 - 4
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
animals include gopher tortoise, eastern fence lizard, eastern diamondback rattlesnake,
bobwhite, red-bellied woodpecker, fox squirrel, cotton rat, cotton mouse, gray fox,
bobcat, and white-tailed deer.
Upland Pine Forest occurs on the rolling hills of extreme northern Florida. The soils are
composed of sand with variable, sometimes substantial, amounts of Miocene clays. The
resultant prevalence of clays helps retain soil moisture, creating more mesic conditions
than originally would have occurred. Thus, many plants which previously were
restricted to valleys and other low areas may now inhabit the Upland Pine Forests.
Fire is a dominant factor in the ecology of this community because it reduces hardwood
encroachment and facilitates pine and wiregrass reproduction. Without relatively
frequent fires, Upland Pine Forest succeeds to Upland Mixed Forest and eventually to
Upland Hardwood Forest. The natural fire frequency appears to be every 3 to 5 years.
More frequent fires would likely eliminate pine recruitment, especially when loblolly
and shortleaf pines are dominant species.
Upland Pine Forest is a fire climax community that is associated with and often grades
into Upland Mixed Forest or Upland Hardwood Forest. Gradations between these
communities are frequently so subtle that distinctions are usually arbitrary. Upland Pine
Forest is often confused with Sandhill. The primary differences between them reside in
their soil characteristics and some species of plants and animals.
Upland Pine Forests have been substantially degraded throughout their range. The
sandy clay soils were prime agricultural lands for plantations as well as for American
Indians. Thus, the longleaf pines were logged, the soil was turned, and the wiregrass
disappeared. Only isolated tracts of the original longleaf pine-wiregrass association
remain, the bulk being replaced by loblolly-shortleaf pine associations. Much of the
latter has further succeeded to Upland Mixed or Hardwood Forest because of fire
exclusion. The restoration of Upland Pine Forest to its original condition is impeded by
the current inability to propagate wiregrass where it has been extirpated.
(30) Dome swamp. - (synonyms: isolated wetland cypress dome, cypress pond, gum
pond, bayhead, cypress gall, pine barrens pond). Dome Swamps are characterized as
shallow, forested, usually circular depressions that generally present a domed profile
because smaller trees grow in the shallower waters at the outer edge, while bigger trees
grow in the deeper water in the interior. Pond cypress, swamp tupelo, and slash pine are
common plants. Other typical plants include red maple, dahoon holly, swamp bay,
sweetbay, loblolly bay, pond apple, Virginia willow, fetterbush, chain fern, netted chain
fern, poison ivy, laurel greenbrier, Spanish moss, wild pine, royal fern, cinnamon fern,
coastal plain willow, maidencane, orchids, wax myrtle, swamp titi, St. John's wort,
sawgrass, lizard's tail, swamp primrose, water hyssop, redroot, sphagnum moss, floating
heart, buttonbush, arum, and fire flag. Typical animals include flatwoods salamander,
mole salamander, dwarf salamander, oak toad, southern cricket frog, pinewoods
treefrog, little grass frog, narrowmouth toad, alligator, snapping turtle, striped mud
A 4 - 5
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
turtle, mud turtle, eastern mud snake, cottonmouth, woodstork, wood duck, swallowtailed kite, barred owl, pileated woodpecker, great-crested flycatcher, prothonotory
warbler, and rusty blackbird.
Dome Swamps typically develop in sandy flatwoods and in karst areas where sand has
slumped around or over a sinkhole, creating a conical depression. Soils are composed
of peat, which becomes thickest toward the center of the dome, and are generally
underlain with acidic sands and then limestone, although other subsoils may also occur.
Some domes have a clay lens that helps retain water levels.
Dome Swamps often derive much of their water through runoff from surrounding
uplands, but they may also be connected with underground channels, in which case
subterranean flows would dominate the hydrological regime. Dome Swamps generally
function as reservoirs that recharge the aquifer when adjacent water tables drop during
drought periods. The normal hydroperiod for Dome Swamps is 200 to 300 days per
year with water being deepest and remaining longest near the center of the dome.
Fire is essential for the maintenance of a cypress dome community. Without periodic
fires, hardwood invasion and peat accumulation would convert the dome to Bottomland
Forest or Bog. Dome Swamps dominated by bays are close to this transition. Fire
frequency is greatest at the periphery of the dome and least in the interior where long
hydroperiods and deep peat maintain high moisture levels for most of the year. The
normal fire cycle might be as short as 3 to 5 years along the outer edge and as long as
100 to 150 years towards the center. The profile of a Dome Swamp (i.e., smaller trees
at the periphery and largest trees near the center) is largely attributable to this fire
regime. The shorter hydroperiods along the periphery permit fires to burn into the edge
more often, occasionally killing the outer trees. Cypress is very tolerant of light surface
fires, but muck fires burning into the peat can kill them, lower the ground surface, and
transform a dome into a pond.
Dome Swamps may have a Depression Marsh or pond in their center, creating a
doughnut appearance when viewed from above. Dome Swamps typically grade into
Wet Prairie or Marl Prairie around the periphery, but they may also be bordered by
Bottomland Forest or Swale. The species composition of Dome Swamps frequently
overlaps with Strand Swamp, Wet Flatwoods, Basin Swamp, Baygall, Floodplain
Swamp, and Freshwater Tidal Swamp.
Normal hydroperiods must be maintained. Somewhat deeper than normal water levels
are not likely to do much harm, but extended hydroperiods will limit tree growth and
prevent reproduction. Shortened hydroperiods will permit the invasion of mesophytic
species, which will change the character of the understory and eventually allow
hardwoods to replace cypress. Dome Swamps may also be degraded by pollution and
the invasion of exotic plants.
(31) Floodplain forest. - (synonyms: bottomland hardwoods, seasonally flooded
A 4 - 6
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
basins or flats, oak-gum-cypress, elm-ash-cottonwood, second bottom, levee forest,
river terrace, river ridge). Floodplain Forests are hardwood forests that occur on drier
soils at slight elevations within floodplains, such as on levees, ridges and terraces, and
are usually flooded for a portion of the growing season. Floodplain Forests are largely
restricted to the alluvial rivers of the panhandle. The dominant trees are generally
mixed mesophytic hardwoods, such as overcup oak, water hickory, diamond-leaf oak
and swamp chestnut oak. The understory may be open and parklike or dense and nearly
impenetrable. Other typical plants include bluestem palmetto, willow oak, green ash,
Florida elm, sweetgum, hackberry, water oak, American hornbeam, tulip poplar, coastal
plain willow, black willow, eastern cottonwood, swamp cottonwood, river birch, red
ample, silver maple, box elder, American sycamore, catalpa, sweetbay magnolia,
hawthorn, swamp azalea, pink azalea, gulf sebastiana, lanceleaf greenbrier, poison ivy,
peppervine, rattanvine, indigo bush, white grass, plume grass, redtop panicum, caric
sedges, silverbells, crossvine, American wisteria and wood grass.
Floodplain Forests harbor a diverse array of animals including both temporary residents
and permanent residents. Typical animals include marbled salamander, mole
salamander, two-toed amphiuma, Alabama waterdog, Southern dusky salamander, twolined salamander, three-lined salamander, dwarf salamander, slimy salamander, rusty
mud salamander, sirens, southern toad, cricket frog, bird-voiced treefrog, gray treefrog,
bullfrog, river frog, Southern leopard frog, alligator, river cooter, stinkpot, Southeastern
five-lined skink, broadhead skink, mud snake, rainbow snake, redbelly watersnake,
brown water snake, glossy crayfish snake, black swamp snake, cottonmouth, yellowcrowned night-heron, wood duck, Mississippi kite, swallowtail kite, red-shouldered
hawk, woodcock, barred owl, chimney swift, hairy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker,
Acadian flycatcher, Carolina wren, veery, white-eyed vireo, red-eyed vireo, parula
warbler, prothonotary warbler, Swainson's warbler, hooded warbler, cardinal, towhee,
opossum, southeastern shrew, short-tailed shrew, beaver, wood rats, rice rats, cotton
mouse, golden mouse, bear, and raccoon.
Soils of Floodplain Forests are variable mixtures of sand, organics, and alluvials, which
are often distinctly layered. Hydroperiod is the primary physical feature of Floodplain
Forests, which are inundated by flood waters nearly every year for 2 to 50% of the
growing season. The organic material accumulating on the floodplain forest floor is
picked up during floods and redistributed in the flood plain or is washed downriver to
provide a critical source of minerals and nutrients for downstream ecosystems, in
particular estuarine systems. These floods also replenish soil minerals through
deposition on the floodplain. Floodplain Forests usually do not have standing water in
the dry season.
Floodplain Forests are often associated with and grade into Floodplain Swamp,
Bottomland Forest, Baygall, or Slope Forest. The species composition is frequently
similar to that of Hydric Hammock and Bottomland Forest communities.
The maintenance of natural hydrologic regimes is critical to the health of Floodplain
A 4 - 7
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
Forests and to the downstream systems with which they are connected. Species
composition and the functional relationships throughout a river system are negatively
impacted by hydrological alterations such as artificial impoundments, river diversion
projects, pesticide use, forest clearcutting, or intensive agriculture.
(32) Floodplain marsh. - (synonyms: river marsh). Floodplain Marshes are wetlands
of herbaceous vegetation and low shrubs that occur in river floodplains, mainly in
Central Florida and along the St. Johns, Kissimmee and Myakka rivers, on sandy
alluvial soils with considerable peat accumulation. Emergent grasses, herbs, and shrubs
that dominate Floodplain Marshes include sawgrass, maidencane, and buttonbush.
Other typical plants include sand cordgrass, dotted smartweed, arrowheads,
pickerelweed, reimargrass, spikerush, bulrushes, bladderpod, common reed, coreopsis,
glasswort, seashore dropseed, sea purslane, and water primrose. Typical animals
include cricket frog, pig frog, leopard frog, American alligator, eastern mud snake,
banded water snake, striped swamp snake, great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret,
little blue heron, tricolored heron, black-crowned night-heron, yellow-crowned nightheron, northern harrier, sandhill crane, raccoon, and river otter.
Floodplain Marshes are maintained by regimes of fire and water. Fires apparently burn
on a one- to five-year basis under natural conditions and maintain the open herbaceous
community by restricting shrub invasion; however, severe fires during drought periods
will often burn the mucky peat.
Floodplain Marshes are flooded with flowing water for about 250 days annually.
Shortened hydroperiods will permit invasion by shrubs and subsequent loss of the
marsh. Many of these marshes have been degraded by pollution or destroyed by
drainage for agricultural uses.
Floodplain Marshes are associated with, and often grade into, Wet Prairie or Riverine
communities. They eventually succeed to Bog, if succession is not reversed by a muck
fire.
(33) Floodplain swamp. - (synonyms: river swamp, bottomland hardwoods,
seasonally flooded basins of flats, oak-gum-cypress, cypress-tupelo, slough, oxbow,
back swamp). Floodplain Swamps occur on flooded soils along stream channels and in
low spots and oxbows within river floodplains. Dominant trees are usually buttressed
hydrophytic trees such as cypress and tupelo; the understory and ground cover are
generally very sparse. Other typical plants include ogeechee tupelo, water tupelo,
swamp titi, wax myrtle, dahoon holly, myrtle-leaved holly, large galberry, possumhaw,
hurrah-bush, white alder, lizard's tail, leather fern, royal fern, marsh fern, soft rush,
laurel greenbrier, hazel alder, hawthorn, and swamp privet.
Floodplain Swamps harbor a diverse array of animals including both temporary and
permanent residents. Typical animals include marbled salamander, mole salamander,
amphiuma, Alabama waterdog, Southern dusky salamander, two-lined salamander,
A 4 - 8
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
three-lined salamander, dwarf salamander, slimy salamander, rusty mud salamander,
southern toad, cricket frog, bird-voiced treefrog, gray treefrog, bullfrog, river frog,
Southern leopard frog, alligator, river cooter, stinkpot, Southeastern five-lined skink,
broadhead skink, mud snake, rainbow snake, redbelly water snake, brown water snake,
glossy crayfish snake, black swamp snake, cottonmouth, yellow-crowned night-heron,
wood duck, swallowtail kite, Mississippi kite, redshouldered hawk, woodcock, barred
owl, chimney swift, hairy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, Acadian flycatcher,
Carolina wren, veery, white-eyed vireo, red-eyed vireo, parula warbler, prothonotary
warbler, hooded warbler, Swainson's warbler, cardinal, towhee, opossum, southeastern
shrew, short-tailed shrew, beaver, wood rat, rice rat, cotton mouse, golden mouse, bear,
raccoon, and bobcat.
Soils of Floodplain Swamps are highly variable mixtures of sand, organic, and alluvial
materials, although some sites, especially within sloughs or on smaller streams, may
have considerable peat accumulation. Floodplain Swamps are flooded for most of the
year, with sites along channels inundated by aerobic flowing water while those of
sloughs and backswamps are flooded with anerobic water for extensive periods of time.
Soils and hydroperiods determine species composition and community structure.
Seasonal and often prolonged inundations restrict the growth of most shrubs and herbs,
leaving most of the ground surface open or thinly mantled with leaf litter. Floods
redistribute detrital accumulations to other portions of the floodplain or into the main
river channel. This rich organic debris is essential to the functional integrity of
downriver ecosystems such as estuaries. These swamps are usually too wet to support
fire.
Floodplain Swamps are often associated with and grade into Floodplain Forest or
Hydric hammock, and occasionally Baygall. The species composition of Floodplain
Swamps is frequently similar to the Slough, Strand Swamp, Dome Swamp, and Basin
Swamp communities.
Alteration of the hydroperiod by impoundments or river diversions and the disruption of
floodplain communities by forestry or agriculture have devastating consequences to
entire river and bay systems. Many plant and animal species, both onsite and down
river, depend upon the presence and natural fluctuations of these swamps for survival
and reproduction.
(55) Spring-run stream. - (synonyms: calcareous stream, spring, or creek). Spring-run
Streams are characterized as perennial water courses which derive most, if not all, of their
water from artesian openings in the underground aquifer. Waters issuing from the aquifer
are generally clear, circumneutral to slightly alkaline (pH = 7.0 - 8.2), and perennially cool
(66 - 75F). These conditions saturate the water with important minerals, allow light to
penetrate deeply, and reduce the limiting effects of environmental fluctuations, all of
which are conducive for plant growth. Thus, Spring-run Streams are among the most
productive aquatic habitats. Typical plants include tape grass, wild rice, giant cutgrass,
arrowheads, southern naiads, pondweeds, and chara. Typical animals include mollusks,
A 4 - 9
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
stoneflies, mayflies, caddisflies, simuliids, chironomids, American alligator, alligator
snapping turtle, Suwannee cooter, loggerhead musk turtle, rainbow snake, red-belly
watersnake, brown watersnake, and many fishes.
Spring-run Streams generally have sand bottoms or exposed limestone along their central
channel. Calcareous silts may form thick deposits in quiet shallow zones, while leaf drift
and other debris collect around fallen trees and quiet basins. The latter, along with
limestone outcrops and rock debris, form important aquatic habitats for many small
aquatic organisms. When undisturbed, submerged aquatic vegetation clothes most of the
spring-run stream bottom and provides shelter and an abundant food source for the
extensive web of life.
The water emanating from the aquifer is generally clear because of the filtering and
absorbing actions of the soils and aquifer limestones through which the water percolates
and flows. When the water is deep, it may appear bluish because of light-refraction
characteristics that are similar to those which cause the sky to be blue on clear days. If the
water sources for the aquifer are substantially influenced by nearby swamps or flatwoods,
the spring-run may temporarily become stained with tannins and other dissolved organics
during or following periods of heavy rains. When extensive underground cavities connect
the spring caverns with nearby sinks and swallow holes, the spring-run may become turbid
with suspended particulates during and following heavy rains and floods. Conversely
during periods of low rainfall, the aquifer can become supersaturated with calcium,
carbonates, and other ions. These chemicals readily precipitate when water reaches the
surface, causing the spring head or boil to appear milky.
Human activities affect flow rates by withdrawing water from the aquifer through deep
wells. When withdrawal is substantial within the recharge area, spring flow is reduced or,
in some cases, ceases entirely. Normal flow rates may return when excessive withdrawals
are eliminated.
People can also substantially affect the quality of spring waters. Agricultural, residential,
and industrial pollutants may readily leach through soils, especially when they are
improperly applied or disposed. If polluted groundwater infiltrates the deep aquifer
feeding a Spring-run Stream, recovery may not be possible. Applications of herbicides to
control aquatic plant growth are also detrimental, because their use often induces
eutrophication of the stream.
Other human-related impacts to Spring-run Streams include the destruction of aquatic
vegetation by overuse or misuse, and the introduction and proliferation of exotic plants
and animals. Both of these impacts may be very difficult to control. Overuse is likely to
increase because of the limited number of publicly-owned springs and the desires of an
increasing population to enjoy their clean, cool, aesthetic qualities and unique recreational
opportunities. Exotic species are often severely detrimental to native species, and they
may also disrupt recreational activities. A delicate balance between recreation and
preservation must be sought.
A 4 - 10
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
(79/80) Aquatic and terrestrial cave. - (synonyms: cave, cavern grotto, chamber,
chimney, sink, swallow hole, spring rise). Aquatic and Terrestrial Caves are characterized
as cavities below the surface of the ground in karst areas of the state. A cave system may
contain portions classified as Terrestrial Caves and portions classified as Aquatic Caves.
The latter vary from shallow pools highly susceptible to disturbance, to more stable,
totally submerged systems. Because all caves initially develop under aquatic conditions,
Terrestrial Caves can be considered essentially dry Aquatic Caves. The limestone aquifers
that underlie the entire state of Florida could be considered vast Aquatic Cave
communities. Troglobites (also called phreatobites) are organisms specially evolved to
survive in deep cave habitats. The occasional observation of various species of troglobites
in deep water wells from several regions in the state suggests that this community could be
widespread. However, the dependence of troglobites on detrital inputs and other nutrients
imported from the surface generally limits the distribution of well developed Aquatic Cave
communities to karst areas with surface connections.
The area around cave entrances may be densely vegetated with species from the
surrounding Natural Community. Within the cave, however, illumination levels and,
thereby, vegetation densities drop rapidly with increased distance from the entrance.
Within the limits of light penetration, called the twilight zone, species of algae, mosses,
liverworts, and an occasional fern or herbaceous plant may grow. Beyond the twilight
zone, plants are generally absent or limited to a few inconspicuous species of fungi that
grow on guano or other organic debris. Thus, Subterranean Natural Communities differ
from most other Natural Communities in that living plants are not dominant elements.
Animals inhabiting Subterranean Natural Communities are generally divided into three
groups according to their cave adaptations: trogloxenes, troglophiles, and troglobites.
Trogloxenes spend much of their time in caves, but they must periodically return to the
surface to feed or breed. Woodrats, harvestmen, cave crickets, some salamanders, and
many species of bats are typical examples of trogloxenes. Troglophiles may regularly live
in caves, but their conspecifies also inhabit surface communities with moist microhabitats.
Cave orb spiders, and some crickets, fish and salamanders are typical examples of
troglophiles. Troglobites are obligatory cave dwellers with special adaptations for living
in complete darkness. Blind cave crayfish, blind cave salamander, cave amphipods, cave
shrimp, cave snail, and cave isopods are typical troglobites in Florida's Aquatic Caves;
cave mites, some cave spiders and springtails, and a cave earwig are typical troglobites in
some Terrestrial Caves in north Florida. Even though they never leave their cave
environments, troglobites and troglophiles depend on outside energy sources, such as
detritus that washes in through sinkholes and other cave entrances. Fecal materials
derived from trogloxenes which feed outside the cave are also important nutrients for
troglobites. Without these energy subsidies, the troglobitic elements could not exist.
Two geologic processes are predominantly responsible for the development of caves:
phreatic and vadose. Phreatic processes occur below the aquifer's surface where ground
water is confined and subjected to hydrostatic pressure. Vadose processes occur at the top
A 4 - 11
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
or above the aquifer, where air enters the passageways and water flows freely under the
influence of gravity. In both processes, the dissolution and corrosion of limestone play
active roles in enlarging cave passageways. These forces differ primarily in the slopes of
the passageways which result. Phreatic passageways are generally circular or elliptic,
while vadose passageways are more triangular with the broad base of the triangle at the
bottom. All limestone caves begin development under phreatic conditions in the aquifer.
As water tables drop, vadose conditions eventually replace phreatic conditions. If the
water table then rises, another reversal of processes occurs. Because water tables have
fluctuated substantially with fluctuating sea levels during the Pleistocene and other
geologic epochs, most caves in Florida exhibit both phreatic and vadose characteristics.
Since limestone caves initially develop in the aquifer, they are frequently associated with
aquifer-related surface features. Thus, a Spring Run Stream issues from an Aquatic Cave,
while Sinkhole Lakes and occasionally Blackwater Streams lead into Aquatic Caves.
Similarly, Terrestrial Caves may occur at the bottoms of dry sinkholes or be associated
with ancient springs, swallow holes or Aquatic Caves that have since been exposed by
lower water tables. Typically, Terrestrial Caves may also exhibit aquatic conditions
during periods of heavy rainfall, or vice versa during droughts. Additionally, Terrestrial
Caves may harbor relatively permanent pools or lakes that are formed in natural
depressions in the floor of the cave from the buildup of rimstone, or where the aquifer
inundates the lower cavities. Thus, Terrestrial and Aquatic Caves often occur together.
Cave waters are generally clear, with deep water appearing bluish. The water may become
stained brown from tannins leached from decaying plant matter nearby and carried in with
rainwater. The water may also become milky white if fine limestone mud from the
bottom of the Aquatic Cave is suspended in the water column following disturbance. A
bottom substrate of organic silts can also muddy the water with suspended particles.
Waters are generally circumneutral to alkaline with a high mineral content (particularly
calcium bicarbonate and magnesium) and with constant temperature. Flowing water
within Aquatic Caves generally has a lower pH, is often undersaturated with respect to
carbonates, and has a relatively richer fauna. Contrastingly, pools that are fed by seepage
or dripping water are generally characterized by a high pH, high concentration of
dissolved carbonates, low content of organic matter suitable for food, and a sparse fauna.
Cave water characteristics may also vary seasonally because of fluvial inputs from
interconnected surface streams, or because of detrital pulses and other surface inputs
during periods of substantial aquifer recharge. In general, however, Aquifer Caves are
very stable environments with relatively constant physical and chemical characteristics.
Terrestrial Caves also are very stable environments, having relatively constant
temperatures and humidities. Within the cave, however, these factors may vary with
location. For example, the twilight zone (nearest to the light source) is generally warmer
and experiences more temperature and humidity fluctuations than does the middle zone, a
dark zone that is subject to air circulation due to "cave breathing" phenomena. The deep
zone, when it occurs, is the most stable zone of a Terrestrial Cave, because the air in it is
essentially static. Terrestrial Cave faunas often partition their distributions according to
A 4 - 12
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
NATURAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
these zones, with trogloxenes being more common in the twilight and middle zones and
troglobites being more common in the deep zone.
Subterranean Natural Communities are extremely fragile. Their faunas are adapted to very
stable environments and have a limited ability to survive even minor environmental
perturbations. Terrestrial Caves are threatened by disturbances of spelunkers. The mere
entry into a bat roosting, maternity, or hibernation cave is often sufficient to cause
abandonment by bats, thereby causing a major reduction in an important energy source for
the remainder of the cave ecosystem.
Alterations in or around cave entrances will often upset detrital input levels and may also
induce significant changes in air circulation patterns and the cave microclimate. Aquatic
Caves are threatened by pollution of ground and surface waters from agricultural,
industrial, and residential sources, as well as by disturbances from divers. The unique
troglobitic species generally have very low population levels and can be severely impacted
by overcollection or by changes in nutrient input levels that result from surface
manipulations or hydrological alterations. Thus, special precautions and management
procedures must be invoked to protect these unique, fragile communities from deleterious
activities.
(81/82) Ruderal and developed. - Ruderal areas are characterized by having the natural
substrate or the natural community overwhelmingly altered as a result of human activity.
Native vegetation is sparse and is often replaced by weedy or exotic species. These
areas require a long-term restoration effort.
Developed areas consist of natural biological communities that have been replaced or
nearly replaced by structures or permanently cleared areas such as roads, visitor
facilities, campgrounds, recreation areas, parking lots or concessions.
A 4 - 13
ADDENDUM 5
PLANT AND ANIMAL LIST
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
LICHENS
Cheilolejeunea myriantha
Cheilolejeunea rigidula
Cololejeunea cardiocarpa
Dumortiera hirsuta
Frullania ericoides
Frullania kunzei
Frullania obcordata
Lejeunea bermudiana
Lejeunea cladogyna
Lejeunea flava
Lejeunea laetevirens
Leucolejeunea unciloba
Metzgeria furcata
Plagiochila aspleniformis
Plagiochila dubia
Plagiochila floridana
Plagiochila invisa
Plagiochila miradorensis
Porella pinnata
Radula australis
Rectolejeunea maxonii
Rectolejeunea spiniloba
BRYOPHYTES
Amblystegium varium
Anomodon attenuatus
Anomodon rostratus
Atrichum angustatum
Barbula agraria
Barbula cancellata
Brachythecium acuminatum
Bryoandersonia illecebra
Bryohaplocladium microphyllum
Bryum pseudotriquetrum
Clasmatodon parvulus
Cryphaea glomerata
Cyrto-hypnum minutulum
Ditrichum pallidum
Entodon seductrix
Eurhynchium hians
Fissidens garberi
Fissidens bryoides
Fissidens taxifolius
Forsstroemia trichomitria
Funaria hygrometrica
Hypnum lindbergii
Isopterygium tenerum
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 1
(for designated species)
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Leptodictyum riparium
Leskea australis
Leucobryum albidum
Leucodon julaceus
Luisierella barbula
Mnium cuspidatum
Philonotis gracillima
Platygyrium repens
Rhynchostegium serrulatum
Sematophyllum adnatum
Syrrhopodon incompletus
Syrrhopodon parasiticus
Thelia hirtella
Thuidium delicatulum
Weissia controversa
Weissia jamaicensis
PTERIDOPHYTES
Ebony spleenwort
Rattlesnake fern
Japanese climbing fern
Royal fern
Cinnamon fern
Ressurection fern
Bracken fern
Cretan brake
Ladder-brake fern
Water spangles
Southern shield fern
Harper's maiden fern
Marsh fern
Mariana maidenfern
Netted chain-fern
Virginia chain fern
Asplenium platyneuron
Botrychium virginianum
Lygodium japonicum *
Osmunda regalis
Osmunda cinnamomea
Polypodium polypodioides
Pteridium aquilinum
Pteris cretica
Pteris vittata *
Salvinia minima
Thelypteris kunthii
Thelypteris ovata
Thelypteris palustris
Macrothelypteris torresiana *
Woodwardia areolata
Woodwardia virginica
GYMNOSPERMS
Southern red cedar
Eastern red cedar
Shortleaf pine
Slash pine
Spruce pine
Longleaf pine
Loblolly pine
Pond cypress
Bald cypress
Florida coontie
Juniperus silicicola
Juniperus virginiana
Pinus echinata
Pinus elliottii
Pinus glabra
Pinus palustris
Pinus taeda
Taxodium ascendens
Taxodium distichum
Zamia floridana
ANGIOSPERMS
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 2
(for designated species)
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
MONOCOTS
Wild onion
Bushy beard grass
Beard grass
Splitbeard bluestem
Broom grass
Green silkyscale
Green dragon
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Wire grass
Big threeawn
Woolysheath threeawn
Switch cane
Water-grass
Hair sedge
Ware's hair sedge
Pindo palm
Bristly sedge
Sedge
White-yellow sedge
Southern sandspur
Coast sandspur
Spike grass
Shiny spike grass
Two-spike windmill grass
Rock finger grass
Sawgrass
Day-flower
Spring coralroot
Globe sedge
Marshland flat sedge
Slender flat sedge
Flat sedge
Sedge
Cylindric sedge
False nut-sedge
Surinam sedge
Crowfoot grass
Needle-leaf panic grass
Bosc's panic grass
Variable panic grass
Forked panic grass
Openflower witchgrass
Sandhill panic grass
Shaggy crab grass
Wild yam
Coastal cockspur
Burhead
Allium canadense
Andropogon glomeratus
Andropogon gyrans
Andropogon ternarius
Andropogon virginicus
Anthaenantia villosa
Arisaema dracontium
Arisaema triphyllum
Aristida beyrichiana
Aristida condensata
Aristida lanosa
Arundinaria gigantea
Bulbostylis barbata *
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia
Bulbostylis warei
Butia capitata *
Carex comosa
Carex dasycarpa
Carex longii
Cenchrus echinatus
Cenchrus incertus
Chasmanthium laxum
Chasmanthium nitidum
Chloris floridana
Chloris petraea
Cladium jamaicense
Commelina erecta
Corallorhiza wisteriana
Cyperus croceus
Cyperus distinctus
Cyperus filiculmis
Cyperus odoratus
Cyperus plukenetii
Cyperus retrorsus
Cyperus strigosus
Cyperus surinamensis
Dactyloctenium aegyptium *
Dichanthelium aciculare
Dichanthelium boscii
Dichanthelium commutatum
Dichanthelium dichotomum
Dichanthelium laxiflorum
Dichanthelium ovale
Digitaria villosa
Dioscorea floridana
Echinochloa walteri
Echinodorus sp.
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 3
(for designated species)
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Water-hyacinth
Road-grass
Goose grass
Green-fly orchid
Feather grass
Elliott love grass
Bigtop love grass
Purple love grass
Centipede grass
Gladiolus
Bearded skeleton grass
Sweet tanglehead
Crested coralroot
Little barley
Spider lily
Yellow star-grass
Duckweed
Duckweed
Florida Malaxis
Muhly grass
Southern naiad
Wood grass
Beaked Panicum
Redtop Panicum
Warty Panicum
Bahia grass
Thin Paspalum
Vasey grass
Green arum
Panic grass
Blackseed needle grass
Water lettuce
Annual blue grass
Rattlesnake master
Solomon's-seal
Pickerel-weed
Shadow witch
Northern wild coco
Natal grass
White-top
Horned beak-rush
Gray's beak-rush
Large-fruited beak-rush
Millet beak-rush
Wire-grass beak-rush
Bluestem
Cabbage palm
Silver plume grass
American cupscale grass
Water arrowhead
Eichhornia crassipes *
Eleocharis baldwinii
Eleusine indica *
Epidendrum conopseum
Eragrostis amabilis *
Eragrostis elliottii
Eragrostis hirsuta
Eragrostis spectabilis
Eremochloa ophiuroides *
Gladiolus X hortulanus *
Gymnopogon ambiguus
Heteropogon melanocarpus
Hexalectris spicata
Hordeum pusillum
Hymenocallis crassifolia
Hypoxis curtisii
Lemna obscura
Lemna valdiviana
Malaxis spicata
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Najas guadalupensis
Oplismenus hirtellus
Panicum anceps
Panicum rigidulum
Panicum verrucosum
Paspalum notatum *
Paspalum setaceum
Paspalum urvillei *
Peltandra virginica
Phanopyrum gymnocarpon
Piptochaetium avenaceum
Pistia stratiotes *
Poa annua *
Polianthes virginica
Polygonatum biflorum
Pontederia cordata
Ponthieva racemosa
Pteroglossapsis ecristata
Rhynchelytrum repens *
Rhynchospora colorata
Rhynchospora corniculata
Rhynchospora grayi
Rhynchospora megalocarpa
Rhynchospora miliacea
Rhynchospora plumosa
Sabal minor
Sabal palmetto
Saccharum alopecuroides
Sacciolepis striata
Sagittaria filliformis
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 4
(for designated species)
Upland mixed forest
Sandhill
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Spring-tape
Lanceleaf arrowhead
Sagittaria kurziana
Sagittaria lancifolia
Schizachyrium sanguineum
Scirpus tabernaemontani
Scleria triglomerata
Scleria ciliata
Serenoa repens
Setaria parviflora
Sisyrinchium angustifolium
Sisyrinchium nashii
Sisyrinchium rosulatum *
Smilax auriculata
Smilax bona-nox
Smilax glauca
Smilax laurifolia
Smilax pumila
Smilax smallii
Smilax tamnoides
Smilax walteri
Sorghastrum nutans
Sorghastrum secundum
Sphenopholis filiformis
Sphenopholis obtusata
Spiranthes cernua
Spiranthes laciniata
Spiranthes ovalis
Spirodela polyrhiza
Spirodela punctata
Sporobolus indicus *
Sporobolus junceus
Stenotaphrum secundatum
Tillandsia bartramii
Tillandsia usneoides
Tridens carolinianus
Tridens flavus
Trillium maculatum
Triphora trianthophora
Triplasis purpurea
Typha latifolia
Urochloa ramosa *
Vallisneria americana
Vulpia elliotea
Vulpia octoflora
Wolffia columbiana
Yucca aloifolia *
Yucca filamentosa
Zephryanthes atamasco
Zeuxine strateumatica *
Zizania aquatica
Soft-stem bulrush
Tall nut-rush
Fringed nut-rush
Saw-palmetto
Knotroot foxtail
Narrow-winged blue-eyed
Sandhill blue-eyed-gras
Annual blue-eyed-grass
Wild-bamboo
Catbrier
Wild sarsaparilla
Bamboo-vine
Sarsaparilla vine
Lanceleaf greenbrier
Hogbrier
Coral greenbrier
Yellow indian grass
Lopsided indian grass
Longleaf wedgescale
Praire wedgescale
Nodding ladies'-tresses
Lace-lip
Lesser ladies'-tresses
Giant duckweed
Duckmeat
Smut grass
Pineywoods dropseed
St. Augustine grass
Wild-pine
Spanish moss
Carolina Tridens
Tall redtop
Wake robin
Nodding pogonia
Purple sand grass
Common cattail
Browntop millet
Eel-grass
Squirrel sixweeks grass
Common sixweeks grass
Water meal
Spanish bayonet
Bear grass
Rain lily
Lawn orchid
Annual wild rice
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 5
(for designated species)
Upland mixed forest
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
(for designated species)
DICOTS
Three-seeded mercury
Box-elder
Red maple
Florida maple
Creeping spotflower
Joint-vetch
Red buckeye
Pineland false-foxglove
False-foxglove
Small leaf thoroughwort
Harvest lice
Harvest lice
Mimosa
Tung-oil tree
Alligator weed
False moneywort
Common pigweed
Common ragweed
False indigo
Pepper-vine
Hog peanut
Texas-star
Ground nut
Devil's walking stick
Thyme-leaved sandwort
Snake root
Indian plantain
Curly milkweed
Sandhill milkweed
Aquatic milkweed
Velvet-leaf milkweed
Butterfly weed
Whorled-leaf milkweed
Pawpaw
Flag pawpaw
Small-fruited pawpaw
Tight-leaved Aster
Climbing Aster
Silvery Aster
Bushy Aster
White-topped Aster
Wavy-leaf Aster
Milk vetch
Hairy milk vetch
Hairy foxglove
Salt bush
Water hyssop
Yellow buttons
Acalypha gracilens
Acer negundo
Acer rubrum
Acer saccharum
Acmella oppositifolia
Aeschynomene viscidula
Aesculus pavia
Agalinis divaricata
Agalinis fasciculata
Ageratina jucunda
Agrimonia incisa
Agrimonia microcarpa
Albizia julibrissin *
Aleurites fordii *
Alternathera philoxeroides *
Alysicarpus vaginalis *
Amaranthus hybridus *
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Amorpha fruticosa
Ampelopsis arborea
Amphicarpaea bracteata
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Apios americana
Aralia spinosa
Arenaria serypyllifolia *
Aristolochia serpentaria
Arnoglossum floridanum
Asclepias amplexicaulis
Asclepias humistrata
Asclepias perennis
Asclepias tomentosa
Asclepias tuberosa
Asclepias verticillata
Asimina angustifolia
Asimina incarna
Asimina parviflora
Aster adnatus
Aster carolinianus
Aster concolor
Aster dumosus
Aster tortifolius
Aster undulatus
Astragalus obcordatus
Astragalus villosus
Aureolaria pedicularia var. pectinata
Baccharis halimifolia
Bacopa monnieri
Balduina angustifolia
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 6
Sandhill
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
False indigo
Rattan vine
Green eyes
River birch
Common beggar-ticks
Spanish needles
Wild goldenglow
Cross vine
Bog hemp
Wineflower
False boneset
Blueheart
Beautyberry
Sweet-shrub
Florida bluebell
Trumpet-vine
Bitter-cress
Muscle wood
Water hickory
Pignut hickory
Mockernut hickory
Chinquapin
Catalpa
Madagascar periwinkle
New Jersey-tea
Sugarberry
Coinwort
Butterfly-pea
Buttonbush
Mouse-ear chickweed
Hornwort
Redbud
Wild chervil
Partridge-pea
Wild sensitive plant
Hairy spurge
Eyebane
Milk purslane
Mexican-tea
Fringe tree
Fringed leaf golden Aster
Water hemlock
Nuttall's thistle
Sour orange
Leatherleaf
Vase-vine
Turk's-turban
Butterfly-pea
Tread softly
Carolina moonseed
Baptisia lecontei
Berchemia scandens
Berlandiera pumila
Betula nigra
Bidens alba
Bidens bipinnata
Bidens laevis
Bignonia capreolata
Boehmeria cylindrica
Boerhavia diffusa
Brickellia eupatorioides
Buchnera floridana
Callicarpa americana
Calycanthus floridus
Campanula floridana
Campsis radicans
Cardamine hirsuta *
Carpinus caroliniana
Carya aquatica
Carya glabra
Carya tomentosa
Castanea pumila
Catalpa bignonioides
Catharanthus roseus *
Ceanothus americanus
Celtis laevigata
Centella asiatica
Centrosema virginianum
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Cerastium glomeratum *
Ceratophyllum demersum
Cercis canadensis
Chaerophyllum tainturieri
Chamaecrista fasciculata
Chamaecrista nictitans
Chamaesyce hirta
Chamaesyce hyssopifolia
Chamaesyce maculata
Chenopodium ambrosioides *
Chionanthus virginica
Chrysopsis gossypina
Cicuta maculata
Cirsium nuttallii
Citrus aurantium *
Clematis crispa
Clematis reticulata
Clerodendron indicum *
Clitoria mariana
Cnidoscolus stimulosus
Cocculus carolinus
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 7
(for designated species)
Sandhill, upland pine forest
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Mist flower
Squaw root
Horseweed
Dye flower
Common tickseed
Rough-leaf cornel
Swamp dogwood
Flowering dogwood
Harlequin
Summer haw
Dwarf-thorn
Green haw
Scratch daisy
Rattle-box
Rabbit-bells
Showy Crotalaria
Silver Croton
Tropic Croton
Wooly Croton
Rushfoil
Field dodder
Marsh parsley
Three corner prairie-clover
Summer farewell
South-western carrot
Climbing hydrangea
Tansy mustard
Hoary tick-clover
Small-leaved tick-trefoil
Rhomb-leaved tick-trefoil
Smooth tick-clover
Stiff tick-trefoil
Narrowleaf tick-trefoil
Florida beggarweed
Sagotia beggarweed
Pony-foot
Poor Joe
Buttonweed
Persimmon
West Indian chickweed
Blue twin flower
Leafy elephant's-foot
Florida elephant's-foot
Southeastern elephant's-foot
Fireweed
White-tops
Southern fleabane
Loquat
Dog-tongue
Matted button snakeroot
Conoclinium coelestinum
Conopholis americana
Conyza canadensis
Coreopsis basalis *
Coreopsis leavenworthii
Cornus asperifolia
Cornus foemina
Cornus florida
Corydalis micrantha
Crataegus floridana
Crataegus uniflora
Crataegus viridus
Croptilon divaricatum
Crotalaria lanceolata
Crotalaria rotundifolia
Crotalaria spectabilis *
Croton argyranthemus
Croton glandulosus
Croton capitatus
Crotonopsis linearis
Cuscuta pentagona
Cyclospermum leptophyllum *
Dalea carnea
Dalea pinnata
Daucus pusillus
Decumaria barbara
Descurainia pinnata
Desmodium canescens
Desmodium ciliare
Desmodium floridanum
Desmodium laevigatum
Desmodium strictum
Desmodium tenuifolium
Desmodium tortuosum
Desmodium triflorum *
Dichondra carolinensis
Diodia teres
Diodia virginiana
Diospyros virginiana
Drymaria cordata
Dyschoriste oblongifolia
Elephantopus carolinianus
Elephantopus elatus
Elephantopus tomentosus
Erechtites hieracifolia
Erigeron strigosus
Erigeron quercifolius
Eriobotrya japonica *
Eriogonum tomentosum
Eryngium baldwinii
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 8
(for designated species)
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Cherokee bean
Heart's-a-bustin'
White thoroughwort
Dog fennel
Dog fennel
Boneset
Late thoroughwort
Red Agaloma
Flat-topped goldenrod
Swamp privet
White ash
Pop ash
Pumpkin ash
Cottonweed
Smooth-headed blanket flower
Florida milk-pea
Milk-pea
Downy milk-pea
Spring cleavers
Purple Galium
Hairy-fruited bedstraw
Dye bedstraw
Bedstraw
Southern Gaura
Yellow jessamine
Cranesbill
Rose vervain
Moss Verbena
Water locust
Cudweed
Cudweed
Sweet everlasting
Wandering cudweed
Silverbells
Witch hazel
Old World diamond-flower
Fairy footprints
Clustered diamond-flower
Sun-rose
Rock-rose
Swollen sunflower
Camphor weed
Pineland Hibiscus
Hawkweed
Large-head hawkweed
Floating pennywort
Marsh pennywort
Swamp pennywort
Old plainsman
St. John's wort
Erythrina herbacea
Euonomys americanus
Eupatorium album
Eupatorium capillifolium
Eupatorium compositifolium
Eupatorium cuneifolium
Eupatorium serotinum
Euphorbia exserta
Euthamia caroliniana
Forestiera acuminata
Fraxinus americana
Fraxinus caroliniana
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Froelichia floridana
Gaillardia aestivalis
Galactia regularis
Galactia mollis
Galactia volubilis
Galium aparine
Galium hispidulum
Galium pilosum
Galium tinctorium
Galium uniflorum
Gaura angustifolia
Gelsemium sempervirens
Geranium carolinianum
Glandularia canadensis
Glandularia pulchella *
Gleditsia aquatica
Gnaphalium americanum
Gnaphalium falcatum
Gnaphalium obtusifolium
Gnaphalium pensilvanicum
Halesia carolina
Hamamelis virginiana
Hedyotis corymbosa
Hedyotis procumbens
Hedyotis uniflora
Helianthemum carolinianum
Helianthemum corymbosum
Helianthus strumosus
Heterotheca subaxillaris
Hibiscus aculeatus
Hieracium gronovii
Hieracium megacephalon
Hydrocotyle ranunculoides
Hydrocotyle umbellata
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Hymenopappus scabiosaeus
Hypericum galioides
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 9
(for designated species)
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
St. Andrew's-cross
Dwarf St. John's-wort
Bitter mint
Sand holly
Dahoon holly
Large gallberry
Possum haw
Gallberry
American holly
Yaupon holly
Hairy indigo
Creeping indigo
Morning-glory
Man-of-the-earth
Sharp-pod morning-glory
Three-lobe morning-glory
Virginia-willow
Water-willow
Sandbur
Dwarf dandelion
Japanese clover
Wood lettuce
Wild lettuce
Blue lettuce
Crepe-myrtle
Henbit
Shrub Verbena
Thyme-leaved pinweed
Hairy long-leaved pinweed
Pepper weed
Hairy bush-clover
Creeping Lespedeza
Tall bush-clover
Handsome blazing star
Fine leaf blazing star
Gopher-apple
Japanese privet
Glossy privet
Hedge privet
Blue toad-flax
Sweetgum
Pucoon
Cardinal flower
Downy Lobelia
Japanese honeysuckle
Coral honeysuckle
Coastal plain seedbox
Water-primrose
Sundial lupine
Lady lupine
Hypericum hypericoides
Hypericum mutilum
Hyptis mutabilis *
Ilex ambigua
Ilex cassine
Ilex coriacea
Ilex decidua
Ilex glabra
Ilex opaca
Ilex vomitoria
Indigofera hirsuta *
Indigofera spicata *
Ipomoea macrorhiza *
Ipomoea pandurata
Ipomoea cordatotriloba
Ipomoea triloba *
Itea virginica
Justicia ovata
Krameria lanceolata
Krigia virginica
Kummerowia striata *
Lactuca canadensis
Lactuca floridana
Lactuca graminifolia
Lagerstroemia indica *
Lamium amplexicaule *
Lantana camara *
Lechea minor
Lechea mucronata
Lepidium virginicum
Lespedeza hirta
Lespedeza repens
Lespedeza stuevei
Liatris elegans
Liatris tenuifolia
Licania michauxii
Ligustrum japonicum *
Ligustrum lucidum *
Ligustrum sinense *
Linaria canadensis
Liquidambar styraciflua
Lithospermum tuberosum
Lobelia cardinalis
Lobelia puberula
Lonicera japonica *
Lonicera sempervirens
Ludwigia maritima
Ludwigia repens
Lupinus perennis
Lupinus villosus
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 10
(for designated species)
Floodplain swamp
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Roserush
Staggerbush
Fetterbush
Southern Magnolia
Sweet bay
Florida Matelea
Angle-pod
Trailing spiny-pod
White-flowered Mecardonia
Black medic
Halberd-leaf
White sweet-clover
Hairy Melochia
Creeping cucumber
Globifera
False pennyroyal
Climbing hempweed
Climbing hempweed
Sensitive brier
Partridge berry
Miterwort
Carpet-weed
Horse mint
Indian pipes
Red mulberry
Wax-myrtle
Water milfoil
Green parrot-feather
Spatterdock
Black gum
Sour gum
Weedy evening-primrose
Cut-leaved evening primrose
False gromwell
Prickly pear
Fine-leaf Psoralea
Wild olive
Hop-hornbeam
Lady's wood-sorrel
Violet wood-sorrel
Many wings
American whitlow-wort
Baldwin's whitlow-wort
Sand-squares
Virginia creeper
Maypop
Yellow passionflower
Fetid marigold
Hoary scurf-pea
Beard-tongue
Lygodesmia aphylla
Lyonia ferruginea
Lyonia lucida
Magnolia grandiflora
Magnolia virginiana
Matelea floridana
Matelea gonocarpos
Matelea pubiflora
Mecardonia acuminata
Medicago lupulina *
Melanthera nivea
Melilotus alba *
Melochia spicata
Melothria pendula
Micranthemum umbrosum
Micromeria brownei
Mikania cordifolia
Mikania scandens
Mimosa quadrivalvis
Mitchella repens
Mitreola petiolata
Mollugo verticillata *
Monarda punctata
Monotropa uniflora
Morus rubra
Myrica cerifera
Myriophyllum heterophyllum
Myriophyllum pinnatum
Nuphar luteum
Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora
Nyssa sylvatica
Oenothera biennis
Oenothera laciniata
Onosmodium virginianum
Opuntia humifusa
Orbexilum lupinellus
Osmanthus americanus
Ostrya virginiana
Oxalis corniculata
Oxalis rubra *
Palafoxia integrifolia
Paronychia americana
Paronychia baldwinii
Paronychia rugelii
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora lutea
Pectis prostrata
Pediomelum canescens
Penstemon australis
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 11
(for designated species)
Upland pine forest
Upland mixed forest
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Hall's Pentodon
Red bay
Swamp bay
Wild bean
Trailing wild bean
Annual garden Phlox
Downy Phlox
Mistletoe
Red-leaf photina
Match-head
Long-stalked Phyllanthus
Chamberbitter
Pubescent ground-cherry
Ground-cherry
Downy ground-cherry
Ground-cherry
Slender-leaf dragon-head
Pokeweed
Piriqueta
Pittosporum
Silk-grass
Southern plantain
Marsh fleabane
Painted-leaf
Large-flower Polygala
Milkwort
Wireweed
Sandhill wireweed
Smartweed
Dotted smartweed
Stubble smartweed
Jumpseed
Rustweed
Marsh mermaid weed
Cherry laurel
Black cherry
Hog plum
Skunk bush
Blackroot
Mock bishop's-weed
False dandelion
Southern red oak
Sand-live oak
Blue-jack oak
Turkey oak
Diamond-leaf oak
Overcup oak
Sand-post oak
Swamp chestnut oak
Water oak
Pentodon pentandrus
Persea borbonia
Persea palustris
Phaseolus polystachios
Phaseolus polystachios var. sinuatus
Phlox drummondii *
Phlox pilosa
Phoradendron leucarpum
Photina glabra *
Phyla nodiflora
Phyllanthus tenellus *
Phyllanthus urinaria *
Physalis arenicola
Physalis carpenteri
Physalis pubescens
Physalis longifolia var. subglabrata
Physostegia leptophylla
Phytolacca rigida
Piriqueta caroliniana
Pittosporum sp. *
Pityopsis graminifolia
Plantago virginica
Pluchea camphorata
Poinsettia heterophylla
Polygala grandiflora
Polygala leptostachys
Polygonella gracilis
Polygonella robusta
Polygonum hydropiperoides
Polygonum punctatum
Polygonum setaceum
Polygonum virginianum
Polypremum procumbens
Proserpinaca palustris
Prunus caroliniana
Prunus serotina
Prunus umbellata
Ptelea trifoliata
Pterocaulon pycnostachyum
Ptilimnium capillaceum
Pyrrhopappus carolinianus
Quercus falcata
Quercus geminata
Quercus incana
Quercus laevis
Quercus laurifolia
Quercus lyrata
Quercus margaretta
Quercus michauxii
Quercus nigra
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 12
(for designated species)
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Shumard oak
Bluff oak
Live oak
Indian azalea
Winged sumac
Twining Rhynchosia
Small Rhynchosia
Dollar-weed
Tall Rhynchosia
Brazil pusley
Florida pusley
Water-cress
Water-cress
Swamp rose
Highbush blackberry
Sand blackberry
Dewberry
Black-eyed Susan
Sandhill coneflower
Wild petunia
Sourdock
Marsh pink
Buckthorn
Carolina willow
Florida willow
Blue sage
Lyre-leaved sage
Elderberry
Pineland pimpernel
Snakeroot
Southern soapberry
Sassafras
Lizard-tail
Central Florida skullcap
Skullcap
Rolled-leaf skullcap
Hairy groundsel
Sicklepod
Sesban
Sticky Seymeria
Elliott's Sida
Arrowleaf Sida
Black-haw
Shrubby buckthorn
Rusty buckthorn
Sleepy catchfly
Common nightshade
Soda-apple
Sharp-toothed goldenrod
Leavenworth's goldenrod
Quercus shumardii
Quercus sinuata
Quercus virginiana
Rhododendron simsii *
Rhus copallina
Rhynchosia difformis
Rhynchosia minima
Rhynchosia reniformis
Rhynchosia tomentosa
Richardia brasiliensis *
Richardia scabra
Rorippa floridana
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum *
Rosa palustris
Rubus argutus
Rubus cuneifolius
Rubus trivialis
Rudbeckia hirta
Rudbeckia mollis
Ruellia caroliniensis
Rumex hastatulus
Sabatia calycina
Sageretia minutiflora
Salix caroliniana
Salix floridana
Salvia azurea
Salvia lyrata
Sambucus canadensis
Samolus valerandi subsp. parviflorus
Sanicula canadensis
Sapindus saponaria
Sassafras albidum
Saururus cernuus
Scutellaria arenicola
Scutellaria incana
Scutellaria mutiglandulosa
Senecio tomentosus
Senna obtusifolia
Sesbania punicea *
Seymeria pectinata
Sida elliottii
Sida rhombifolia
Sideroxylon lanuginosum
Sideroxylon reclinatum
Sideroxylon rufohirtum
Silene antirrhina
Solanum americanum
Solanum capsicoides *
Solidago arguta
Solidago gigantea
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 13
(for designated species)
Floodplain marsh
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Sweet goldenrod
Goldenrod
Slender goldenrod
Twisted-leaf goldenrod
Spiney-leaved sow thistle
Common sow thistle
Spreading scaleseed
Scaleseed
Florida betony
Common chickweed
Queen's delight
Trailing Stylisma
Carolina vervain
Pencil flower
Sweetleaf
Long-stalked hoary-pea
Hoary-pea
Squareheads
Wood sage
Purple meadow parsnip
Basswood
Poison ivy
Eastern poison oak
Eastern Tragia
Blue curls
Low hop clover
Wild white clover
White clover
Two-flowered venus' looking
Venus' looking-glass
Winged elm
American elm
Sparkleberry
Highbush blueberry
Darrow's blueberry
Shiney blueberry
Deerberry
Corn salad
Brazil vervain
European vervain
Harsh Verbena
Narrow-leaf ironweed
Tall ironweed
Corn speedwell
Walter's Viburnum
Rusty-haw
Florida vetch
Common vetch
Florida violet
Seven-lobed violet
Solidago odora
Solidago petiolaris
Solidago stricta
Solidago tortifolia
Sonchus asper *
Sonchus oleraceus *
Spermolepis divaricata
Spermolepis echinata
Stachys floridana
Stellaria media *
Stillingia sylvatica
Stylisma patens
Stylodon carneus
Stylosanthes biflora
Symplocos tinctoria
Tephrosia florida
Tephrosia spicata
Tetragonotheca helianthoides
Teucrium canadense
Thaspium trifoliatum
Tilia americana
Toxicodendron radicans
Toxicodendron toxicarium
Tragia urens
Trichostema dichotomum
Trifolium campestre *
Trifolium carolinianum
Trifolium repens *
Triodanis perfoliata var. biflora
Triodanis perfoliata
Ulmus alata
Ulmus americana
Vaccinium arboreum
Vaccinium corymbosum
Vaccinium darrowii
Vaccinium myrsinites
Vaccinium stamineum
Valerianella radiata
Verbena brasiliensis *
Verbena officinalis
Verbena scabra
Vernonia angustifolia
Vernonia gigantea
Veronica arvensis *
Viburnum obovatum
Viburnum rufidulum
Vicia floridana
Vicia sativa *
Viola sororia
Viola palmata
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 14
(for designated species)
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
PLANTS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Walter's violet
Summer grape
Simpson's grape
Red grape
Muscadine grape
Frost grape
Asiatic bellflower
Chinese Wisteria
Hawk's-beard
Hercules'-club
Viola walteri
Vitis aestivalis
Vitis cinera
Vitis palmata
Vitis rotundifolia
Vitis vulpina
Wahlenbergia marginata *
Wisteria sinensis *
Youngia japonica *
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 15
(for designated species)
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
ANIMALS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
(for all species)
FISHES
Bowfin
American eel
Pirate perch
Banded pygmy sunfish
Lake chubsucker
Redfin pickerel
Florida swamp darter
Brown darter
Golden topminnow
Eastern starhead topminnow
Seminole Killifish
Eastern mosquitofish
Least killifish
Yellow catfish
Flagfish
Florida gar
Redbreast sunfish
Warmouth
Bluegill
Dollar Sunfish
Shellcracker
Stumpknocker
Bluefin killifish
Suwannee bass
Florida largemouth bass
Spotted sucker
Striped mullet
Golden shiner
Redeye chub
Sailfin shiner
Coastal shiner
Tadpole madtom
Speckled madtom
Blackbanded darter
Armored catfish
Sailfin molly
Speckled perch
Atlantic needlefish
Hogchoker
Amia calva
Anguilla rostrata
Aphredoderus sayanus
Elassoma zonatum
Erimyzon sucetta
Esox americanus
Etheostoma fusiforme barratti
Etheostoma edwini edwini
Fundulus chrysotus
Fundulus escambia
Fundulus seminolis
Gambusia affinis holbrooki
Heterandria formosa
Ictalurus natalis
Jordanella floridae
Lepisosteus platyrhincus
Lepomis auritus
Lepomis gulosus
Lepomis macrochirus
Lepomis marginatus
Lepomis microlophus
Lepomis punctatus
Lucania goodei
Micropterus notius
Micropterus salmoides floridanus
Minytrema melanops
Mugil cephalus
Notemigonus crysoleucas
Notropis harperi
Notropis hypselopterus
Notropis petersoni
Noturus gyrinus
Noturus leptacanthus
Percina nigrofasciata
Plecostomus sp. *
Poecilia latipinna
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Strongylura marina
Trinectes maculatus
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
AMPHIBIANS
FROGS
Florida cricket frog
Oak toad
Southern toad
Acris gryllus dorsalis
Bufo quercicus
Bufo terrestris
A 5 - 16
Floodplain swamp
Upland pine forest
Upland mixed forest
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
ANIMALS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Eastern narrowmouth toad
Green treefrog
Gray treefrog
Gastrophryne carolinensis
Hyla cinerea
Hyla chrysoscelis
Spring peeper
Pinewoods treefrog
Squirrel treefrog
Southern chorus frog
Ornate chorus frog
Florida gopher frog
Bull frog
Pig frog
Southern leopard frog
Eastern spadefoot
Hyla crucifer
Hyla femoralis
Hyla squirella
Pseudacris nigrita
Pseudacris ornata
Rana capito aesopus
Rana catesbeiana
Rana grylio
Rana sphenocephala
Scaphiopus holbrooki
(for all species)
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
floodplain forest
Upland mixed forest, floodplain forest
Upland pine forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Sandhill
Floodplain swamp
Floodplain swamp
Floodplain swamp
Upland pine forest
SALAMANDERS
Central newt
Notophthalmus viridescens
louisianensis
Spring-run stream
REPTILES
CROCODILIANS
Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
Spring-run stream
TURTLES
Florida snapping turtle
Gopher tortoise
Alligator snapping turtle
Suwannee cooter
Peninsula cooter
Loggerhead musk turtle
Stinkpot
Florida box turtle
Yellowbelly turtle
Florida softshell
Chelydra serpentina osceola
Floodplain swamp
Gopherus polyphemus
Upland pine forest, sandhill
Macroclemys temminckii
Spring-run stream
Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis
Spring-run stream
Pseudemys floridana peninsularis
Spring-run stream
Sternotherus minor minor
Spring-run stream
Sternotherus odoratus
Spring-run stream
Terrapene carolinensis bauri
Upland mixed forest
Trachemys scripta scripta
Spring-run stream
Trionyx ferox
Spring-run stream
LIZARDS
Green anole
Brown anole
Six-lined racerunner
Northern mole skink
Southeastern five-lined skink
Broad-head skink
Mediterranean gecko
Eastern slender glass lizard
Eastern glass lizard
Anolis carolinensis
Anolis sagrei *
Cnemidophorus sexlineatus
Eumeces egregius similis
Eumeces inexpectatus
Eumeces laticeps
Hemidactylus turcicus *
Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus
Ophisaurus ventralis
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 17
Throughout
Developed
Sandhill
Sandhill
Upland pine forest
Upland mixed forest
Developed
Sandhill
Upland pine forest
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
ANIMALS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Florida worm lizard
Southern fence lizard
Ground skink
Rhineura floridana
Sceloporus undulatus
Scincella lateralis
Sandhill
Sandhill
Upland mixed forest
Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti
Cemophora coccinea
Coluber constrictor priapus
Floodplain swamp
Upland pine forest
Upland mixed forest
(for all species)
SNAKES
Florida cottonmouth
Scarlet snake
Southern black racer
Eastern diamondback
rattlesnake
Southern ringneck snake
Eastern indigo snake
Corn snake
Rat snake
Eastern mud snake
Eastern hognose snake
Scarlet kingsnake
Eastern kingsnake
Eastern coral snake
Redbelly water snake
Florida water snake
Green water snake
Brown water snake
Rough green snake
Florida pine snake
Short-tailed snake
Florida crowned snake
Peninsula ribbon snake
Eastern garter snake
Crotalus adamanteus
Diadophis punctatus punctatus
Drymarchon corais couperi
Elaphe guttata
Elaphe obsoleta
Farancia abacura abacura
Heterodon platyrhinos
Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides
Sandhill
Upland mixed forest
Sandhill
Sandhill
Upland mixed forest
Floodplain marsh
Sandhill
Upland pine
forest
Lampropeltis getula getula
Upland mixed forest
Micrurus fulvius
Upland mixed forest
Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster
Spring-run
stream
Nerodia fasciata pictiventris
Floodplain marsh
Nerodia floridana
Floodplain marsh
Nerodia taxispilota
Floodplain swamp
Opheodrys aestivus
Upland mixed forest
Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus
Sandhill
Stilosoma extentuatum
Sandhill
Tantilla relicta neilli
Sandhill
Thamnophis sauritus sackeni
Upland mixed forest
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
Upland mixed forest
BIRDS
LOONS
Common loon
Gavia immer
Spring-run stream
GREBES
Pied-billed grebe
Podilymbus podiceps
Spring-run stream
Phalacrocorax auritus
Spring-run stream
Anhinga anhinga
Spring-run stream
Ardea herodias
Botaurus lentiginosus
Bubulcus ibis
Spring-run stream
Floodplain marsh
Ruderal, developed
CORMORANTS
Double-crested cormorant
ANHINGAS
Anhinga
HERONS AND BITTERNS
Great blue heron
American Bittern
Cattle egret
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 18
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
ANIMALS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Green-backed heron
Great egret
Little blue heron
Snowy egret
Tricolored heron
Least Bittern
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Yellow-crowned night heron
Butorides striatus
Casmerodius albus
Egretta caerulea
Egretta thula
Egretta tricolor
Ixobrychus exilis
Nticorax nycticorax
Nyctanassa violacea
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Floodplain swamp
Floodplain swamp
IBIS AND SPOONBILLS
White ibis
Eudocimus albus
Floodplain swamp
STORKS
Wood Stork
Mycteria americana
Floodplain swamp
SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS
Wood duck
Northern pintail
Blue-winged Teal
Mallard
Lesser Scaup
Ring-necked duck
Canada goose
Fulvous Whistling-Duck
Aix sponsa
Anas acuta
Anas discors
Anas platyrhynchos
Aythya affinis
Aythra collaris
Branta canadensis
Dendrocygna bicolor
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
VULTURES
Turkey vulture
Black vulture
Cathartes aura
Coragyps atratus
KITES, EAGLES, AND HAWKS
Cooper's hawk
Sharp-shinned hawk
Red-tailed hawk
Red-shouldered hawk
Broad-winged hawk
Northern harrier
Swallow-tailed kite
Bald eagle
Mississippi kite
Snail kite
Accipiter cooperi
Accipiter striatus
Buteo famaicensis
Buteo lineatus
Buteo platypterus
Circus cyaneus
Elanoides forficatus
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Ictinia mississipiensis
Rostrhamus sociabilis
OSPREY
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Spring-run stream
FALCONS
American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
Sandhill
PHEASANTS, TURKEY, AND QUAIL
Northern bobwhite
Colinus virginianus
Wild turkey
Meleagris gallopavo
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 19
(for all species)
Throughout
Throughout
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland pine forest
Floodplain swamp
Upland mixed forest
Floodplain marsh
Throughout
Throughout
Throughout
Floodplain marsh
Sandhill
Upland pine forest
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
ANIMALS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
CRANES
Sandhill crane
Grus canadensis
Floodplain marsh
LIMPKINS
Limpkin
Aramus guarauna
Spring-run stream
RAILS AND GALLINULES
Common moorhen
American coot
Purple gallinule
Sora
Virginia rail
Gallinula chloropus
Fulica americana
Poryphyrula martinica
Porzana carolina
Rallus limicola
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Spring-run stream
Floodplain marsh
Floodplain marsh
PLOVERS
Killdeer
Charadrius vociferus
SNIPES & SANDPIPERS
Spotted sandpiper
American woodcock
Solitary sandpiper
Actitis macularia
Scolopax minor
Tringa solitaria
PIGEONS AND DOVES
Rock dove
Common ground dove
Eurasian collared-dove
Mourning dove
Columba livia *
Columbina passerina
Streptopelia decaocto *
Zenaida macroura
CUCKOOS
Yellow-billed cuckoo
Coccyzus americanus
Upland mixed forest
OWLS
Great horned owl
Eastern screech owl
Barred owl
Common barn owl
Bubo virginianus
Otus asio
Strix varia
Tyto alba
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Floodplain forest
Throughout
NIGHTJARS
Chuck-will's-widow
Whip-poor-will
Common nighthawk
Caprimulgus carolinensis
Caprimulgus vociferus
Chordeiles minor
SWIFTS
Chimney swift
Chaetura pelagica
HUMMINGBIRDS
Ruby-throated hummingbird
Arichilochus colubris
KINGFISHERS
Belted kingfisher
Ceryle alcyon
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 20
(for all species)
Developed
Floodplain swamp
Upland mixed forest
Floodplain swamp
Developed
Sandhill
Developed
Throughout
Sandhill
Sandhill
Sandhill
Throughout
Upland mixed forest
Spring-run stream
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
ANIMALS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
WOODPECKERS
Northern flicker
Pileated woodpecker
Red-bellied woodpecker
Red-headed woodpecker
Yellow-bellied sapsucker
Downy woodpecker
Hairy woodpecker
Colaptes auratus
Dryocopus pileatus
Melanerpes carolinus
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Sphyrapicus varius
Picoides pubescens
Picoides villosus
Upland pine forest
Upland mixed forest
Throughout
Sandhill
Upland mixed forest
Throughout
Sandhill
FLYCATCHERS
Eastern wood-pewee
Acadian flycatcher
Great crested flycatcher
Eastern phoebe
Eastern kingbird
Contopus virens
Empidonax flaviventris
Myiarchus crinitus
Sayornis phoebe
Tyrannus tyrannus
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland pine forest
Upland pine forest
Upland pine forest
SWALLOWS
Barn swallow
Purple martin
Tree swallow
Hirundo rustica
Progne subis
Tachycineta bicolor
(for all species)
Throughout
Throughout
Throughout
JAYS, CROWS, AND MAGPIES
American crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Fish crow
Corvus ossifragus
Blue jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Throughout
Throughout
Throughout
TITMICE
Tufted titmouse
Carolina chickadee
Parus bicolor
Parus carolinensis
Throughout
Throughout
WRENS
House wren
Bewick’s wren
Carolina wren
Troglodytes aedon
Thryomanes bewickii
Thryothorus ludovicianus
NUTHATCHES
Brown-headed nuthatch
Sitta pusilla
CREEPERS
Brown creeper
Certhia familiaris
Upland mixed forest
THRASHERS
Gray catbird
Northern mockingbird
Brown thrasher
Dumetella carolinensis
Mimus polyglottos
Toxostoma rufus
Upland mixed
Ruderal, developed
Upland pine forest
THRUSHES, AND VEERY
Veery
Hermit thrush
Catharus fuscescens
Catharus guttatus
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 21
Throughout
Upland mixed forest
Throughout
Sandhill
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
ANIMALS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Gray-cheeked thrush
Swainson’s thrush
Wood thrush
Eastern bluebird
American robin
Catharus minimus
Catharus ustulatus
Hylocichla mustelina
Sialia sialis
Turdus migratorius
KINGLETS & GNATCATCHERS
Blue-gray gnatcatcher
Polioptila caerulea
Ruby-crowned kinglet
Regulus calendula
Golden-crowned kinglet
Regulus satrapa
(for all species)
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Sandhill
Throughout
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
SHRIKES
Loggerhead shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
STARLINGS
European starling
Sturnus vulgaris *
Developed
WAXWINGS
Cedar waxwing
Bombycilla cedrorum
Throughout
VIREOS
Yellow-throated vireo
White-eyed vireo
Red-eyed vireo
Blue-headed vireo
Vireo flavifrons
Vireo griseus
Vireo olivaceus
Vireo solitarius
WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS, ETC.
Black-throated blue warbler
Dendroica caerulescens
Bay-breasted warbler
Dendroica castanea
Yellow-rumped warbler
Dendroica coronata
Prairie warbler
Dendroica discolor
Yellow-throated warbler
Dendroica dominica
Blackburnian warbler
Dendroica fusca
Magnolia warbler
Dendroica magnolia
Palm warbler
Dendroica palmarum
Yellow warbler
Dendroica petechia
Chestnut-sided warbler
Dendroica pensylanica
Pine warbler
Dendroica pinus
Blackpoll warbler
Dendroica striata
Cape May Warbler
Dendroica tigrina
Black-throated green warbler
Dendroica virens
Common yellowthroat
Geothlypis trichas
Worm-eating Warbler
Helmitheros vermivorus
Yellow-breasted chat
Icteria virens
Swainson’s warbler
Limnothlypis swainsonii
Black-and-white warbler
Mniotilta varia
Kentucky warbler
Oporornis formosus
Northern parula
Parula americana
Prothonotary warbler
Protonotaria citrea
Ovenbird
Seiurus aurocapillus
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 22
Sandhill
Upland pine forest
Throughout
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Throughout
Upland pine forest
Upland pine forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland pine forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland pine forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Floodplain swamp
Upland mixed forest
Upland pine forest
Throughout
Throughout
Upland mixed forest
Throughout
Floodplain swamp
Upland mixed forest
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
ANIMALS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Louisiana waterthrush
Northern waterthrush
American Redstart
Orange-crowned warbler
Golden-winged warbler
Tennessee warbler
Blue-winged warbler
Hooded warbler
Seirus motacilla
Seiurus noveboracensis
Setophaga ruticilla
Vermivora celata
Vermivora chrysoptera
Vermivora peregrina
Vermivora pinus
Wilsonia citrina
MEADOWLARKS, BLACKBIRDS & ORIOLES
Red-winged blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
Bobolink
Dolichonyx orzivorus
Northern oriole
Icterus galbula
Orchard oriole
Icterus spurius
Brown-headed cowbird
Molothrus ater
Boat-tailed grackle
Quiscalus major
Common grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
Eastern meadowlark
Sturnella magna
TANAGERS
Scarlet tanager
Summer tanager
Piranga olivacea
Piranga rubra
GROSBEAKS, SPARROWS, AND BUNTINGS
Bachman’s sparrow
Aimophila aestivalis
Grasshopper sparrow
Ammodramus savannarum
American goldfinch
Cardeulis tristis
Northern cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Blue grosbeak
Guiraca caerulea
Dark-eyed junco
Junco hyemalis
Swamp sparrow
Melospiza georgiana
Song sparrow
Melospiza melodia
House sparrow
Passer domesticus *
Savannah sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis
Fox sparrow
Passerella iliaca
Indigo bunting
Passerina cyanea
Rose-breasted grosbeak
Pheucticus ludovicianus
Eastern towhee
Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Vesper sparrow
Pooecetes gramineus
Chipping sparrow
Spizella passerina
Field sparrow
Spizella pusilla
White-throated sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
(for all species)
Floodplain forest
Floodplain forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Upland pine forest
Floodplain forest
Floodplain marsh
Sandhill
Upland pine forest
Upland pine forest
Throughout
Floodplain swamp
Throughout
Sandhill
Upland mixed forest
Upland pine forest
Sandhill
Sandhill
Throughout
Throughout
Sandhill
Upland mixed forest
Floodplain swamp
Sandhill
Ruderal, developed
Sandhill
Upland pine forest
Sandhill
Upland pine forest
Upland pine forest
Sandhill
Sandhill
Sandhill
Upland pine forest
MAMMALS
MARSUPIALS
Opossum
Didelphis marsupialis
INSECTIVORES
Short-tailed shrew
Blarina carolinensis
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 23
Throughout
Upland mixed forest
ICHETUCKNEE SPRING STATE PARK
ANIMALS
Primary Habitat
Common Name
Scientific Name
Eastern mole
Southeastern shrew
Scalopus aquaticus
Sorex longirostris
EDENTATES
Armadillo
Dasypus novemcinctus *
Throughout
LAGOMORPHS
Eastern cottontail
Sylvilagus floridanus
Throughout
RODENTS
Beaver
Southern flying squirrel
Southeastern pocket gopher
House mouse
Eastern woodrat
Golden mouse
Rice rat
Cotton mouse
Florida mouse
Gray squirrel
Sherman’s fox squirrel
Cotton rat
Castor canadensis
Glaucomys volans
Geomys pinetis
Mus musculus
Neotoma floridana
Ochrotomys nuttalli
Oryzomys palustris
Peromyscus gossypinus
Podomys floridanus
Sciurus carolinensis
Sciurus niger shermani
Sigmodon hispidus
Spring-run stream
Throughout
Sandhill
Developed
Upland mixed forest
Upland mixed forest
Floodplain forest
Upland mixed forest
Sandhill
Throughout
Sandhill
Upland pine forest
CARNIVORES
Coyote
Domestic cat
River otter
Bobcat
Striped skunk
Raccoon
Gray fox
Florida black bear
Red fox
Canis latrans *
Felis catus *
Lutra canadensis
Lynx rufus
Mephitis mephitis
Procyon lotor
Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Ursus americanus floridanus
Vulpes vulpes
Throughout
Throughout
Spring-run stream
Throughout
Throughout
Throughout
Upland mixed forest
Throughout
Upland mixed forest
MANATEES
West Indian manatee
Trichechus manatus
ARTIODACTYLS
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
* Non-native Species
A 5 - 24
(for all species)
Upland pine forest
Upland mixed forest
Spring-run stream
Throughout
ADDENDUM 6
DESIGNATED SPECIES LIST
RANK EXPLANATIONS
FOR FNAI GLOBAL RANK, FNAI STATE RANK, FEDERAL STATUS,
AND STATE STATUS
The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Heritage Program Network (of which FNAI is
a part) define an element as any exemplary or rare component of the natural
environment, such as a species, natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave,
or other ecological feature. An element occurrence (EO) is a single extant habitat that
sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a population or a distinct, selfsustaining example of a particular element.
Using a ranking system developed by The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Heritage
Program Network, the Florida Natural Areas Inventory assigns two ranks to each
element. The global rank is based on an element's worldwide status; the state rank is
based on the status of the element in Florida. Element ranks are based on many factors,
the most important ones being estimated number of Element occurrences, estimated
abundance (number of individuals for species; area for natural communities), range,
estimated adequately protected EOs, relative threat of destruction, and ecological
fragility.
Federal and State status information is from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and the
Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (animals), and the Florida Department
of Agriculture and Consumer Services (plants), respectively.
FNAI GLOBAL RANK DEFINITIONS
G1
G2
G3
G4
G5
GH
GX
GXC
G#?
G#G#
G#T#
G#Q
= Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer
occurrences or less than 1000 individuals) or because of extreme
vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man-made factor.
= Imperiled globally because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences or less than
3000 individuals) or because of vulnerability to extinction due to some
natural or man-made factor.
= Either very rare and local throughout its range (21-100 occurrences or
less than 10,000 individuals) or found locally in a restricted range or
vulnerable to extinction of other factors.
= apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range)
= demonstrably secure globally
= of historical occurrence throughout its range, may be rediscovered (e.g.,
ivory-billed woodpecker)
= believed to be extinct throughout range
= extirpated from the wild but still known from captivity or cultivation
= tentative rank (e.g., G2?)
= range of rank; insufficient data to assign specific global rank (e.g.,
G2G3)
= rank of a taxonomic subgroup such as a subspecies or variety; the G
portion of the rank refers to the entire species and the T portion refers to
the specific subgroup; numbers have same definition as above (e.g.,
G3T1)
= rank of questionable species - ranked as species but questionable whether
it is species or subspecies; numbers have same definition as above (e.g.,
A 6 - 1
RANK EXPLANATIONS
FOR FNAI GLOBAL RANK, FNAI STATE RANK, FEDERAL STATUS,
AND STATE STATUS
G#T#Q
GU
G?
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
SH
SX
SA
SE
SN
SU
S?
G2Q)
= same as above, but validity as subspecies or variety is questioned.
= due to lack of information, no rank or range can be assigned (e.g.,
GUT2).
= not yet ranked (temporary)
= Critically imperiled in Florida because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer
occurrences or less than 1000 individuals) or because of extreme
vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man-made factor.
= Imperiled in Florida because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences or less than
3000 individuals) or because of vulnerability to extinction due to some
natural or man-made factor.
= Either very rare and local throughout its range (21-100 occurrences or
less than 10,000 individuals) or found locally in a restricted range or
vulnerable to extinction of other factors.
= apparently secure in Florida (may be rare in parts of range)
= demonstrably secure in Florida
= of historical occurrence throughout its range, may be rediscovered (e.g.,
ivory-billed woodpecker)
= believed to be extinct throughout range
= accidental in Florida, i.e., not part of the established biota
= an exotic species established in Florida may be native elsewhere in North
America
= regularly occurring, but widely and unreliably distributed; sites for
conservation hard to determine
= due to lack of information, no rank or range can be assigned (e.g.,
SUT2).
= not yet ranked (temporary)
LEGAL STATUS
N
=
FEDERAL
LE
PE
LT
PT
C
Not currently listed, nor currently being considered for listing, by
state or federal agencies.
(Listed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - USFWS)
= Listed as Endangered Species in the List of Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife and Plants under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
Defined as any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or
a significant portion of its range.
= Proposed for addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants as Endangered Species.
= Listed as Threatened Species. Defined as any species which is likely to
become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout
all or a significant portion of its range.
= Proposed for listing as Threatened Species.
= Candidate Species for addition to the list of Endangered and Threatened
A 6 - 2
RANK EXPLANATIONS
FOR FNAI GLOBAL RANK, FNAI STATE RANK, FEDERAL STATUS,
AND STATE STATUS
E(S/A)
T(S/A)
Wildlife and Plants. Defined as those species for which the USFWS
currently has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability
and threats to support proposing to list the species as endangered or
threatened.
= Endangered due to similarity of appearance.
= Threatened due to similarity of appearance.
STATE
Animals
LE
LT
LS
Plants
LE
LT
(Listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FFWCC)
= Listed as Endangered Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species,
subspecies, or isolated population which is so rare or depleted in number
or so restricted in range of habitat due to any man-made or natural factors
that it is in immediate danger of extinction or extirpation from the state,
or which may attain such a status within the immediate future.
= Listed as Threatened Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species,
subspecies, or isolated population which is acutely vulnerable to
environmental alteration, declining in number at a rapid rate, or whose
range or habitat is decreasing in area at a rapid rate and as a consequence
is destined or very likely to become an endangered species within the
foreseeable future.
= Listed as Species of Special Concern by the FFWCC. Defined as a
population which warrants special protection, recognition, or
consideration because it has an inherent significant vulnerability to
habitat modification, environmental alteration, human disturbance, or
substantial human exploitation which, in the foreseeable future, may
result in its becoming a threatened species.
(Listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services - FDACS)
= Listed as Endangered Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of
Florida Act. Defined as species of plants native to the state that are in
imminent danger of extinction within the state, the survival of which is
unlikely if the causes of a decline in the number of plants continue, and
includes all species determined to be endangered or threatened pursuant
to the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
= Listed as Threatened Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida
Act. Defined as species native to the state that are in rapid decline in the
number of plants within the state, but which have not so decreased in
such number as to cause them to be endangered.
A 6 - 3
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
DESIGNATED SPECIES
PLANTS
Common Name/
Scientific Name
Incised groove-bur
Agrimonia incisa
Sweet-shrub
Calcanthus floridus
Greenfly orchid
Epidendrum canopseum
Crested coralroot
Hexalectris spicata
Cardinal flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Florida matelea
Matelea floridana
Angle-pod
Matelea gonocarpos
Trailing spiny-pod
Matelea pubiflora
Shadow witch
Ponthieva racemosa
Northern wild coco
Pteroglossapsis ecristata
Cinnamon fern
Osmunda cinnamomea
Royal fern
Osmunda regalis
Florida willow
Salix floridana
Nodding ladies'-tresses
Spiranthes cernua
Lace-lip
Spiranthes laciniata
Lesser ladies'-tresses
Spiranthes ovalis
Nodding pogonia
Triphora trianthophora
Florida coontie
Zamia floridana
Rain lily
Zephyranthes atamasco
DESIGNATED SPECIES STATUS
FDA
USFWS
FNAI
E
G3,S2
E
S2
CE
E
T
E
G2,S2
T
E
T
G2G3, S2
CE
CE
E
T
E
T
CE
T
A 6 - 4
G2,S2
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
DESIGNATED SPECIES
ANIMALS
Common Name/
Scientific Name
DESIGNATED SPECIES STATUS
FFWCC
USFWS
FNAI
FISH
Suwannee Bass
Micropterus notius
SSC
G2G3, S2S3
AMPHIBIANS
Gopher frog
Rana capito
SSC
G4,S3
REPTILES
American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus
Eastern Indigo Snake
Drymarchon corais couperi
Gopher tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macroclemys temmincki
Florida pine snake
Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus
Suwannee cooter
Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis
Short-tailed snake
Stilosoma extenuatum
SSC
T(S/A)
G5, S4
G5, S3
T
T
G4T3, S3
SSC
G3, S3
SSC
G3G4, S3
SSC
G5T3?,S3
SSC
G5T3, S3
T
G3,S3
BIRDS
Cooper’s hawk
Accipiter cooperii
Bachman’s sparrow
Aimophila aestivalis
Limpkin
Aramus guarauna
Little blue heron
Egretta caerulea
Snowy egret
Egretta thula
Tricolor heron
Egretta tricolor
G4,S3?
G3,S3
SSC
G5, S3
SSC
G5,S4
SSC
G5, S4
SSC
G5,S4
A 6 - 5
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
DESIGNATED SPECIES
ANIMALS
Common Name/
Scientific Name
Swallow-tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus
White ibis
Eudocimus albus
Southeastern American kestrel
Falco sparverius paulus
Bald eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Worm-eating Warbler
Helmitheros vermivorus
Wood stork
Mycteria americana
Yellow crowned night heron
Nyctanassa violacea
DESIGNATED SPECIES STATUS
FFWCC
USFWS
FNAI
G4, S2S3
SSC
G5, S4
T
G5T3T4,S3?
T
E
T
G4,S3
G5,S1
E
G4,S2
G5,S3?
Black-crowned night heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Hairy Woodpecker
Picoides villosus
Louisiana Waterthrush
Seiurus motacilla
American Redstart
Setophaga ruticilla
G5, S3?
G5,S3S4
G5, S3?
G5, S3
G5,S3
MAMMALS
Sherman's Fox Squirrel
Sciurus niger shermani
Florida mouse
Podomys floridanus
West Indian manatee
Trichechus manatus
Florida black bear
Ursus americanus floridanus
SSC
G5T2,S2
SSC
G3,S3
E
E
G2?, S2?
T
INVERTEBRATES
Ichetucknee siltsnail
Cincinnatia mica
G1,S1
A 6 - 6
ADDENDUM 7
FLORIDA MASTER SITE FILE
LIST OF CULTURAL SITES
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
FLORIDA MASTER SITE FILE LISTED CULTURAL SITES
FMSF #
Site Name
CO 1
CO 2
Fig Springs -Probably Deptford, Spanish,
San Martín de
Spanish-First Period,
Timucua
Suwannee Valley and
Leon-Jefferson
None
Prehistoric Aboriginal
CO 3
CO 4
CO 5
CO 8
None
Little Spring and Run
None
Old Mill Pond
Prehistoric Aboriginal
Prehistoric Aboriginal
Leon-Jefferson
Historic, LeonJefferson, Spanish
(17th century)
CO 9
Old Mill Landing
Prehistoric Aboriginal
CO 10
CO 15
Lowe’s Field
New Ichetucknee
River/Dampier’s
Landing
Ichetucknee Railroad
Crossing
Old Fort White
Landing
Prehistoric Aboriginal
Prehistoric Aboriginal
Mission site, aboriginal
habitation, historic
refuse, underwater
disposal midden, burial
Prehistoric ceramic
artifact scatter
unknown
Lithic scatter, quarry
Artifact scatter
Historic habitation,
historic mill,
prehistoric artifact
scatter
Prehistoric ceramic,
underwater disposal
midden
Quarry, lithic scatter
Underwater unspecified
Possible Paleo- Indian
unknown
Prehistoric Aboriginal
Weeden Island
Unspecified
Unspecified
Unspecified
Weeden Island (?)
Prehistoric Aboriginal
Prehistoric Aboriginal
Prehistoric Aboriginal
Unspecified
Unknown
Underwater unspecified
Underwater unspecified
Mound
Mound
Mound
Unknown
SU 28
SU 249
Midpoint Mound
Bellamy Road, Old
Spanish Trail, Old
Indian Trail
Simpson’s Flats
Simpson’s Camp
Ichetucknee River
None
None
None
Devil’s Eye Spring
Ichetucknee River
Ichetucknee Springs
Power Line Crossing
Prehistoric burials,
lithic scatter/nonquarry
Burial
Historic road segment
Lithic scatter
Artifact scatter
SU 251
None
Prehistoric Aboriginal
Paleo-Indian, Early
Archaic
Prehistoric Aboriginal
CO 25
CO 36
CO 43
CO 57
CO 173
CO 174
SU 5
SU 16
SU 17
SU 18
SU 26
Period
A 7 - 1
Site Type
Artifact scatter
ADDENDUM 8
TIMBER MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
TIMBER MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
Timber Stand 1
Stand 1 is a 5.35 acre site of 35-year-old planted slash pine with some naturally seeded
loblolly pine. The area is surrounded on three sides by a berm that was constructed
prior to state ownership of the property when the site was used as a clay settling pond.
There are approximately 364 pine trees per acre. Tree diameters range from 6 to 14
inches with an average dbh between 8 and 9 inches. Total tree heights range from 60 to
80 feet with most trees close to 75 feet. Wood products include pulp wood, chip-n-saw
and some saw timber. Access to the site is from an adjacent service road. An exclusion
area exists just outside the west boundary of the stand where there is a park residence.
A hiking trail occurs on the east side of the stand near an abandoned phosphate pit.
There are no wetlands in the stand. No cultural resources have been identified in or
adjacent to this site.
Sweet gum and southern red cedar occur in the understory, but are not considered
merchantable at this time. Other understory species include Aralia spinosa, laurel oak,
cat briar, and wild grape. An exotic plant species, Japanese climbing fern, is found in
this stand. It will be necessary to treat this species with herbicide following the removal
of timber. The site is managed using dormant season prescribed burns that were last
conducted in 1998.
Management recommendations are to selectively thin the pine species to approximately
half of the current density. Timber removal should take place during the winter to avoid
conflicts with recreation at the park. During harvesting there should be no injury to
residual trees, and soil disturbance should be limited to areas within the berm. The
berm should be removed after the logging operation is completed. The site will be
evaluated after the harvest to determine the feasibility of natural community restoration.
Timber Stand 2
Stand 2 is less than 2 acres of 38-year-old planted slash pine with some naturally seeded
loblolly pine. A berm similar to that in stand 1 is also found at this site. Natural
thinning has occurred and trees are widely spaced. There are approximately 225 pine
trees per acre. Tree diameters range from 8 to 16 inches with an average dbh of 10
inches. Total tree heights range from 70 to 80 feet. Wood products include pulp, chipn-saw and saw timber. Access to the site is from an adjacent service road. No
exclusion areas are identified in this stand. There are no wetlands or cultural resources
at this site. The understory is sparse with only a few shrubs. The ground cover is
dominated by various grasses and herbs. Although no exotic plant species were
observed, the site should be thoroughly inspected for exotic species following timber
removal.
Management recommendations are to selectively thin the pine species. Timber removal
should take place during the winter to avoid conflicts with recreation in the park.
During harvesting there should be no injury to residual trees, and soil disturbance
should be limited to areas within the berm. The berm should be removed after the
logging operation is completed.
A 8 - 1
ADDENDUM 9
CULTURAL MANAGEMENT STATEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DIVISION OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES AND PROPERTIES
ON STATE -- OWNED OR CONTROLLED LANDS
(Revised August, 1995)
A. GENERAL DISCUSSION
Archaeological and historic sites are defined collectively in 267.021(3), F.S., as
"historic properties" or "historic resources." They have several essential characteristics
that must be recognized in a management program.
First of all, they are a finite and non-renewable resource. Once destroyed, presently
existing resources, including buildings, other structures, shipwreck remains,
archaeological sites and other objects of antiquity, cannot be renewed or revived.
Today, sites in the State of Florida are being destroyed by all kinds of land
development, inappropriate land management practices, erosion, looting, and to a minor
extent even by well-intentioned professional scientific research (e.g., archaeological
excavation). Measures must be taken to ensure that some of these resources will be
preserved for future study and appreciation.
Secondly, sites are unique because individually they represent the tangible remains of
events that occurred at a specific time and place.
Thirdly, while sites uniquely reflect localized events, these events and the origin of
particular sites are related to conditions and events in other times and places. Sites can
be understood properly only in relation to their natural surroundings and the activities of
inhabitants of other sites. Managers must be aware of this "systemic" character of
historic and archaeological sites. Also, it should be recognized that archaeological sites
are time capsules for more than cultural history; they preserve traces of past biotic
communities, climate, and other elements of the environment that may be of interest to
other scientific disciplines.
Finally, the significance of sites, particularly archaeological ones, derives not only from
the individual artifacts within them, but equally from the spatial arrangement of those
artifacts in both horizontal and vertical planes. When archaeologists excavate, they
recover, not merely objects, but also a record of the positions of these objects in relation
to one another and their containing matrix (e.g., soil strata). Much information is
sacrificed if the so-called "context" of archaeological objects is destroyed or not
recovered, and this is what archaeologists are most concerned about when a site is
threatened with destruction or damage. The artifacts themselves can be recovered even
after a site is heavily disturbed, but the context -- the vertical and horizontal
relationships -- cannot. Historic structures also contain a wealth of cultural (socioeconomic) data that can be lost if historically sensitive maintenance, restoration or
rehabilitation procedures are not implemented, or if they are demolished or extensively
altered without appropriate documentation. Lastly, it should not be forgotten that
historic structures often have associated potentially significant historic archaeological
features that must be considered in land management decisions.
A 9 - 1
MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES AND PROPERTIES
ON STATE -- OWNED OR CONTROLLED LANDS
(Revised August, 1995)
B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY
Chapter 253, Florida Statutes ("State Lands") directs the preparation of "single-use" or
"multiple-use" land management plans for all state-owned lands and state-owned
sovereignty submerged lands. In this document, 253.034(4), F.S., specifically requires
that "all management plans, whether for single-use or multiple-use properties, shall
specifically describe how the managing agency plans to identify, locate, protect and
preserve, or otherwise use fragile non-renewable resources, such as archaeological and
historic sites, as well as other fragile resources..."
Chapter 267, Florida Statutes is the primary historic preservation authority of the state.
The importance of protecting and interpreting archaeological and historic sites is
recognized in 267.061(1)(a), F.S.:The rich and unique heritage of historic properties in
this state, representing more than 10,000 years of human presence, is an important
legacy to be valued and conserved for present and future generations. The destruction
of these nonrenewable historic resources will engender a significant loss to the state's
quality of life, economy, and cultural environment. It is therefore declared to be state
policy to:
1.
2.
Provide leadership in the preservation of the state's historic resources; [and]
Administer state-owned or state-controlled historic resources in a spirit of
stewardship and trusteeship;...
Responsibilities of the Division of Historical Resources in the Department of State
pursuant to 267.061(3), F.S., include the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cooperate with federal and state agencies, local Governments, and private
organizations and individuals to direct and conduct a comprehensive statewide
survey of historic resources and to maintain an inventory of such responses.
Develop a comprehensive statewide historic preservation plan.
Identify and nominate eligible properties to the National Register of Historic
Places and otherwise administer applications for listing properties in the
National Register of Historic Places.
Cooperate with federal and state agencies, local governments, and organizations
and individuals to ensure that historic resources are taken into consideration at
all levels of planning and development.
Advise and assist, as appropriate, federal and state agencies and local
governments in carrying out their historic preservation responsibilities and
programs.
Carry out on behalf of the state the programs of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and to establish, maintain, and administer
a state historic preservation program meeting the requirements of an approved
program and fulfilling the responsibilities of state historic preservation programs
as provided in subsection 101(b) of that act.
A 9 - 2
MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES AND PROPERTIES
ON STATE -- OWNED OR CONTROLLED LANDS
(Revised August, 1995)
7.
8.
9.
Take such other actions necessary or appropriate to locate, acquire, protect,
preserve, operate, interpret, and promote the location, acquisition, protection,
preservation, operation, and interpretation of historic resources to foster an
appreciation of Florida history and culture. Prior to the acquisition,
preservation, interpretation, or operation of a historic property by a state agency,
the Division shall be provided a reasonable opportunity to review and comment
on the proposed undertaking and shall determine that there exists historic
authenticity and a feasible means of providing for the preservation,
interpretation and operation of such property.
Establish professional standards for the preservation, exclusive of acquisition, of
historic resources in state ownership or control.
Establish guidelines for state agency responsibilities under subsection (2).
Responsibilities of other state agencies of the executive branch, pursuant to 267.061(2),
F.S., include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Each state agency of the executive branch having direct or indirect jurisdiction
over a proposed state or state-assisted undertaking shall, in accordance with state
policy and prior to the approval of expenditure of any state funds on the
undertaking, consider the effect of the undertaking on any historic property that
is included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic
Places. Each such agency shall afford the division a reasonable opportunity to
comment with regard to such an undertaking.
Each state agency of the executive branch shall initiate measures in consultation
with the division to assure that where, as a result of state action or assistance
carried out by such agency, a historic property is to be demolished or
substantially altered in a way that adversely affects the character, form, integrity,
or other qualities that contribute to [the] historical, architectural, or
archaeological value of the property, timely steps are taken to determine that no
feasible and prudent alternative to the proposed demolition or alteration exists,
and, where no such alternative is determined to exist, to assure that timely steps
are taken either to avoid or mitigate the adverse effects, or to undertake an
appropriate archaeological salvage excavation or other recovery action to
document the property as it existed prior to demolition or alteration.
In consultation with the division [of Historical Resources], each state agency of
the executive branch shall establish a program to locate, inventory, and evaluate
all historic properties under the agency's ownership or control that appear to
qualify for the National Register. Each such agency shall exercise caution to
assure that any such historic property is not inadvertently transferred, sold,
demolished, substantially altered, or allowed to deteriorate significantly.
Each state agency of the executive branch shall assume responsibility for the
preservation of historic resources that are owned or controlled by such agency.
Prior to acquiring, constructing, or leasing buildings for the purpose of carrying
out agency responsibilities, the agency shall use, to the maximum extent
A 9 - 3
MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES AND PROPERTIES
ON STATE -- OWNED OR CONTROLLED LANDS
(Revised August, 1995)
5.
6.
feasible, historic properties available to the agency. Each agency shall
undertake, consistent with preservation of such properties, the mission of the
agency, and the professional standards established pursuant to paragraph (3)(k),
any preservation actions necessary to carry out the intent of this paragraph.
Each state agency of the executive branch, in seeking to acquire additional space
through new construction or lease, shall give preference to the acquisition or use
of historic properties when such acquisition or use is determined to be feasible
and prudent compared with available alternatives. The acquisition or use of
historic properties is considered feasible and prudent if the cost of purchase or
lease, the cost of rehabilitation, remodeling, or altering the building to meet
compliance standards and the agency's needs, and the projected costs of
maintaining the building and providing utilities and other services is less than or
equal to the same costs for available alternatives. The agency shall request the
division to assist in determining if the acquisition or use of a historic property is
feasible and prudent. Within 60 days after making a determination that
additional space is needed, the agency shall request the division to assist in
identifying buildings within the appropriate geographic area that are historic
properties suitable for acquisition or lease by the agency, whether or not such
properties are in need of repair, alteration, or addition.
Consistent with the agency's mission and authority, all state agencies of the
executive branch shall carry out agency programs and projects, including those
under which any state assistance is provided, in a manner which is generally
sensitive to the preservation of historic properties and shall give consideration to
programs and projects which will further the purposes of this section.
Section 267.12 authorizes the Division to establish procedures for the granting of
research permits for archaeological and historic site survey or excavation on stateowned or controlled lands, while Section 267.13 establishes penalties for the conduct of
such work without first obtaining written permission from the Division of Historical
Resources. The Rules of the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, for
research permits for archaeological sites of significance are contained in Chapter 1A-32,
F.A.C.
Another Florida Statute affecting land management decisions is Chapter 872, F.S.
Section 872.02, F.S., pertains to marked grave sites, regardless of age. Many stateowned properties contain old family and other cemeteries with tombstones, crypts, etc.
Section 872.05, F.S., pertains to unmarked human burial sites, including prehistoric and
historic Indian burial sites. Unauthorized disturbance of both marked and unmarked
human burial site is a felony.
C. MANAGEMENT POLICY
The choice of a management policy for archaeological and historic sites within stateowned or controlled land obviously depends upon a detailed evaluation of the
A 9 - 4
MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES AND PROPERTIES
ON STATE -- OWNED OR CONTROLLED LANDS
(Revised August, 1995)
characteristics and conditions of the individual sites and groups of sites within those
tracts. This includes an interpretation of the significance (or potential significance) of
these sites, in terms of social and political factors, as well as environmental factors.
Furthermore, for historic structures architectural significance must be considered, as
well as any associated historic landscapes.
Sites on privately owned lands are especially vulnerable to destruction, since often
times the economic incentives for preservation are low compared to other uses of the
land areas involved. Hence, sites in public ownership have a magnified importance,
since they are the ones with the best chance of survival over the long run. This is
particularly true of sites that are state-owned or controlled, where the basis of
management is to provide for land uses that are minimally destructive of resource
values.
It should be noted that while many archaeological and historical sites are already
recorded within state--owned or controlled--lands, the majority of the uplands areas and
nearly all of the inundated areas have not been surveyed to locate and assess the
significance of such resources. The known sites are, thus, only an incomplete sample of
the actual resources - i.e., the number, density, distribution, age, character and condition
of archaeological and historic sites - on these tracts. Unfortunately, the lack of specific
knowledge of the actual resources prevents formulation of any sort of detailed
management or use plan involving decisions about the relative historic value of
individual sites. For this reason, a generalized policy of conservation is recommended
until the resources have been better addressed.
The generalized management policy recommended by the Division of Historical
Resources includes the following:
1.
State land managers shall coordinate all planned activities involving known
archaeological or historic sites or potential site areas closely with the Division of
Historical Resources in order to prevent any kind of disturbance to significant
archaeological or historic sites that may exist on the tract. Under 267.061(1)(b),
F.S., the Division of Historical Resources is vested with title to archaeological
and historic resources abandoned on state lands and is responsible for
administration and protection of such resources. The Division will cooperate
with the land manager in the management of these resources. Furthermore,
provisions of 267.061(2) and 267.13, F.S., combined with those in 267.061(3)
and 253.034(4), F.S., require that other managing (or permitting) agencies
coordinate their plans with the Division of Historical Resources at a sufficiently
early stage to preclude inadvertent damage or destruction to known or
potentially occurring, presently unknown archaeological and historic sites. The
provisions pertaining to human burial sites must also be followed by state land
managers when such remains are known or suspected to be present (see 872.02
and 872.05, F.S., and 1A-44, F.A.C.)
A 9 - 5
MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES AND PROPERTIES
ON STATE -- OWNED OR CONTROLLED LANDS
(Revised August, 1995)
2.
3.
4.
5.
Since the actual resources are so poorly known, the potential impact of the
managing agency's activities on historic archaeological sites may not be
immediately apparent. Special field survey for such sites may be required to
identify the potential endangerment as a result of particular management or
permitting activities. The Division may perform surveys, as its resources
permit, to aid the planning of other state agencies in their management activities,
but outside archaeological consultants may have to be retained by the managing
agency. This would be especially necessary in the cases of activities
contemplating ground disturbance over large areas and unexpected occurrences.
It should be noted, however, that in most instances Division staff's knowledge of
known and expected site distribution is such that actual field surveys may not
be necessary, and the project may be reviewed by submitting a project location
map (preferably a 7.5 minute U.S.G.S. Quadrangle map or portion thereof) and
project descriptive data, including detailed construction plans. To avoid delays,
Division staff should be contacted to discuss specific project documentation
review needs.
In the case of known significant sites, which may be affected by proposed
project activities, the managing agency will generally be expected to alter
proposed management or development plans, as necessary, or else make special
provisions to minimize or mitigate damage to such sites.
If in the course of management activities, or as a result of development or the
permitting of dredge activities (see 403.918(2)(6)a, F.S.), it is determined that
valuable historic or archaeological sites will be damaged or destroyed, the
Division reserves the right, pursuant to 267.061(1)(b), F.S., to require salvage
measures to mitigate the destructive impact of such activities to such sites. Such
salvage measures would be accomplished before the Division would grant
permission for destruction of the affected site areas. The funding needed to
implement salvage measures would be the responsibility of the managing
agency planning the site destructive activity. Mitigation of historic structures at
a minimum involves the preparation of measured drawings and documentary
photographs. Mitigation of archaeological resources involves the excavation,
analysis and reporting of the project findings and must be planned to occur
sufficiently in advance to avoid project construction delays. If these services are
to be contracted by the state agency, the selected consultant will need to obtain
an Archaeological Research Permit from the Division of Historical Resources,
Bureau of Archaeological Research (see 267.12, F.S. and Rules 1A-32 and 1A46 F.A.C.).
For the near future, excavation of non-endangered (i.e., sites not being lost to
erosion or development) archaeological site is discouraged. There are many
endangered sites in Florida (on both private and public lands) in need of
excavation because of the threat of development or other factors. Those within
state-owned or controlled lands should be left undisturbed for the present - with
particular attention devoted to preventing site looting by "treasure hunters". On
the other hand, the archaeological and historic survey of these tracts is
A 9 - 6
MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES AND PROPERTIES
ON STATE -- OWNED OR CONTROLLED LANDS
(Revised August, 1995)
6.
7.
encouraged in order to build an inventory of the resources present, and to assess
their scientific research potential and historic or architectural significance.
The cooperation of land managers in reporting sites to the Division that their
field personnel may discover is encouraged. The Division will help inform field
personnel from other resource managing agencies about the characteristics and
appearance of sites. The Division has initiated a cultural resource management
training program to help accomplish this. Upon request the Division will also
provide to other agencies archaeological and historical summaries of the known
and potentially occurring resources so that information may be incorporated into
management plans and public awareness programs (See Management
Implementation).
Any discovery of instances of looting or unauthorized destruction of sites must
be reported to the agent for the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement
Trust Fund and the Division so that appropriate action may be initiated. When
human burial sites are involved, the provisions of 872.02 and 872.05, F. S. and
Rule 1A-44, F.A.C., as applicable, must also be followed. Any state agent with
law enforcement authority observing individuals or groups clearly and
incontrovertibly vandalizing, looting or destroying archaeological or historic
sites within state-owned or controlled lands without demonstrable permission
from the Division will make arrests and detain those individuals or groups under
the provisions of 267.13, 901.15, and 901.21, F.S., and related statutory
authority pertaining to such illegal activities on state-owned or controlled lands.
County Sheriffs' officers are urged to assist in efforts to stop and/or prevent site
looting and destruction.
In addition to the above management policy for archaeological and historic sites on
state-owned land, special attention shall be given to those properties listed in the
National Register of Historic Places and other significant buildings. The Division
recommends that the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and
Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings (Revised 1990) be followed for such
sites.
The following general standards apply to all treatments undertaken on historically
significant properties.
1.
2.
3.
A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that
requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its
site and environment.
The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The
removal of historic materials or alterations of features and spaces that
characterize a property shall be avoided.
Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use.
Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding
conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be
A 9 - 7
MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES AND PROPERTIES
ON STATE -- OWNED OR CONTROLLED LANDS
(Revised August, 1995)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
undertaken.
Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic
significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.
Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of
craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved.
Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the
severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new
feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities
and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be
substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.
Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to
historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if
appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.
Significant archaeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and
preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be
undertaken.
New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy
materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated
from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and
architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its
environment.
New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in
such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of
the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. (see Secretary
of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating
Historic Buildings [Revised 1990]).
Divisions of Historical Resources staff are available for technical assistance for any of
the above listed topics. It is encouraged that such assistance be sought as early as
possible in the project planning.
D. MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION
As noted earlier, 253.034(4), F.S., states that "all management plans, whether for singleuse or multiple-use properties, shall specifically describe how the managing agency
plans to identify, locate, protect and preserve, or otherwise use fragile non-renewable
resources, such as archaeological and historic sites..." The following guidelines should
help to fulfill that requirement.
1.
2.
All land managing agencies should contact the Division and send U.S.G.S. 7.5
minute quadrangle maps outlining the boundaries of their various properties.
The Division will in turn identify site locations on those maps and provide
descriptions for known archaeological and historical sites to the managing
agency.
A 9 - 8
MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES AND PROPERTIES
ON STATE -- OWNED OR CONTROLLED LANDS
(Revised August, 1995)
3.
4.
5.
6.
Further, the Division may also identify on the maps areas of high archaeological
and historic site location probability within the subject tract. These are only
probability zones, and sites may be found outside of these areas. Therefore,
actual ground inspections of project areas may still be necessary.
The Division will send archaeological field recording forms and historic
structure field recording forms to representatives of the agency to facilitate the
recording of information on such resources.
Land managers will update information on recorded sites and properties.
Land managers will supply the Division with new information as it becomes
available on previously unrecorded sites that their staff locate. The following
details the kind of information the Division wishes to obtain for any new sites or
structures that the land managers may report:
A. Historic Sites
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Type of structure (dwelling, church, factory, etc.).
Known or estimated age or construction date for each structure and
addition.
Location of building (identify location on a map of the property, and
building placement, i.e., detached, row, etc.).
General Characteristics: (include photographs if possible) overall shape
of plan (rectangle, "L" "T" "H" "U", etc.); number of stories; number of
vertical divisions of bays; construction materials (brick, frame, stone,
etc.); wall finish (kind of bond, coursing, shingle, etc.); roof shape.
Specific features including location, number and appearance of:
(a) Important decorative elements;
(b) Interior features contributing to the character of the building;
(c) Number, type, and location of outbuildings, as well as date(s) of
construction;
(d) Notation if property has been moved;
(e) Notation of known alterations to building.
B. Archaeological Sites
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
7.
Site location (written narrative and mapped location).
Cultural affiliation and period.
Site type (midden, burial mound, artifact scatter, building rubble, etc.).
Threats to site (deterioration, vandalism, etc.).
Site size (acreage, square meters, etc.).
Artifacts observed on ground surface (pottery, bone, glass, etc.).
Description of surrounding environment.
No land disturbing activities should be undertaken in areas of known
A 9 - 9
MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES AND PROPERTIES
ON STATE -- OWNED OR CONTROLLED LANDS
(Revised August, 1995)
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
archaeological or historic sites or areas of high site probability without prior
review by the Division early in the project planning.
Ground disturbing activities may proceed elsewhere but land managers should
stop disturbance in the immediate vicinity of artifact finds and notifies the
Division if previously unknown archaeological or historic remains are
uncovered. The provisions of Chapter 872, F.S., must be followed when human
remains are encountered.
Excavation and collection of archaeological and historic sites on state lands
without a permit from the Division are a violation of state law and shall be
reported to a law enforcement officer. The use of metal detectors to search for
historic artifacts shall be prohibited on state lands except when authorized in a
1A-32, F.A.C., research permit from the Division.
Interpretation and visitation which will increase public understanding and
enjoyment of archaeological and historic sites without site destruction or
vandalism is strongly encouraged.
Development of interpretive programs including trails, signage, kiosks, and
exhibits is encouraged and should be coordinated with the Division.
Artifacts found or collected on state lands are by law the property of the
Division. Land managers shall contact the Division whenever such material is
found so that arrangements may be made for recording and conservation. This
material, if taken to Tallahassee, can be returned for public display on a long
term loan.
C. ADMINISTERING AGENCY
Questions relating to the treatment of archaeological and historic resources on state
lands may be directed to:
Compliance Review Section
Bureau of Historic Preservation
Division of Historical Resources
R.A. Gray Building
500 South Bronough Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250
Contact Person:
Susan M. Harp
Historic Preservation Planner
Telephone (904) 487-2333
Suncom 277-2333
FAX (904) 922-0496
A 9 - 10
ADDENDUM 10
PRIORITY SCHEDULE AND COST ESTIMATES
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
PRIORITY SCHEDULE AND COST ESTIMATES
1.
In cooperation with other agencies, periodically monitor surface and ground water
quality and quantity. Also conduct additional biological assessments of the
springs. 0-5 years. Estimated Cost: $60,000.
2.
Conduct additional research to identify ground water sources of the park’s major
springs. 0-5 years. Estimated Cost: $20,000.
3.
Continue to monitor the condition of the river’s aquatic vegetation as a means of
evaluating the effectiveness of visitor carrying capacities. 0-5 years. Estimated
Cost: $11,950.
4.
Continue the prescribed burn program, averaging 10-12 burns (800-900 acres) per
year. 0-5 years. Estimated Cost: Average of $10,750/year for personnel and
$5,500/year for equipment. Total Estimated Cost: $81,250.
5.
Continue restoration of the upland pine forest through mechanical and chemical
treatment of off-site species. 0-5 years. Estimated Cost: $24,800.
6.
Continue to monitor designated species within the park. Collect and evaluate
baseline data about the park’s designated and declining species. Implement
protective measures as needed. 0-5 years. Estimated Cost: $ 49,150.
7.
Continue to map exotic plant infestations. Develop and implement plans to
remove invasive exotics. 0-5 years. Estimated Cost: $25,000.
8.
Control erosion along the banks of the river and springs. 0-5 years. Estimated
Cost: $1500.
9.
Pursue funding for Level I and Level II surveys of cultural resources. Develop
and implement procedures for documenting cultural sites and maintaining their
integrity. 0-5 years. Estimated Cost: $50,000.
10. Using educational programs in conjunction with enforcement of rules and
regulations, manage public access to the park so as to provide visitors with safe,
high quality recreational opportunities while protecting natural and cultural
resources. 0-5 years. Estimated Cost: $100,000.
TOTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAMS COST: $423,650.
A 10 - 1
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A 10- 2
ADDENDUM 11
LAND MANAGEMENT REVIEW
REPORT AND DRP RESPONSE
Land Management Review of Ichetucknee Springs State Recreation Area
Suwannee and Columbia Counties (Lease No. 2459):
January 15, 1999
Prepared by Division of State Lands Staff
Robert Clark, Program Administrator
William Howell, OMC Manager
Amy Knight, Environmental Specialist
for
the Ichetucknee Springs State Recreation Area Management Review Team
Land Manager:
Area:
County:
Mngt. Plan Approved:
Mngt. Plan Update Due:
Division of Recreation and Parks
2,276.88 acres
Suwannee, Columbia
05/29/97
05/29/02
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
LAND MANAGEMENT REVIEW REPORT WITH DRP RESPONSE
Management Review Team Members
Agency
Represented
Team member
appointed
Team member
in attendance
DEP/DRP
Mr. Tom Workman
Mr. Tom Workman
DEP Northeast District
Mr. Don Jensen
Mr. Dennis Murrin
DACS/DOF
Mr. Bill Korn
Mr. Bill Korn
GFC
Mr. Art Stockle
Mr. Art Stockle
Soil and Water Conservation
County Commission
Mr. James Williams
Mr. Barry Long
Mr. Joel Love
Mr. Barry Long
Conservation Organization
(Citizens Rediscovering
the Ichetucknee Basin)
Private Land Manager
(Poole Realty)
Mr. Johnny Dame
Mr. Johnny Dame
Mr. Ronnie Poole
Mr. Ronnie Poole
Process for Implementing Regional Management Review Teams
Legislative Intent and Guidance:
Chapter 259.036, F. S. was enacted in 1997 to determine whether conservation, preservation, and
recreation lands owned by the state Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund
(Board) are being managed properly. It directs the Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) to establish land management review teams to evaluate the extent to which the existing
management plan provides sufficient protection to threatened or endangered species, unique or
important natural or physical features, geological or hydrological functions, and archaeological
features. The teams also evaluate the extent to which the land is being managed for the purposes
for which it was acquired and the degree to which actual management practices, including public
access, are in compliance with the adopted management plan. If a land management plan has not
been adopted, the review shall consider the extent to which the land is being managed for the
purposes for which it was acquired and the degree to which actual management practices are in
compliance with the management policy statement and management prospectus for that property.
If the land management review team determines that reviewed lands are not being managed for
the purposes for which they were acquired or in compliance with the adopted land management
plan, management policy statement, or management prospectus, DEP shall provide the review
findings to the Board, and the managing agency must report to the Board its reasons for managing
the lands as it has. A report of the review findings are given to the managing agency under
review, the Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Council (LAMAC), and to the Division
of State Lands. Also, DEP shall report the annual review findings of its land management review
teams to the Board no later than the second board meeting in October of each year.
Review Site
The management review of Ichetucknee Springs State Recreation Area considered
approximately 2,241 acres in Suwannee and Columbia Counties that are managed by
DEP/Division of Recreation and Parks. The team evaluated the extent to which current
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management actions are sufficient, whether the land is being managed for the purpose for
which it was acquired, and whether actual management practices, including public access, are
in compliance with the management plan. The Division of State Lands approved the
management plan on May 29, 1997 and the management plan update is currently being
prepared.
Review Team Analysis
The management review checklist was analyzed as follows: The checklist consisted of two
parts: a plan review section that answered whether or not the management plan sufficiently
addressed protection/ restoration/ management needs for a series of items; and a field review
section that scored to what extent sufficient management actions were being taken for a series
of items.
Review Team Findings
CHECKLIST RESULTS
Exceptional Management Actions
I.A.1
Sandhill
Management/protection of the sandhill
community is excellent.
I.A.3
Upland mixed forest
Management/protection of the upland mixed
forest community is excellent.
I.A.4
Upland pine forest
Management/protection of the upland pine
forest community is excellent.
I.A.6
Floodplain forest and
forest swamp
Management/protection of the floodplain
and swamp communities is excellent.
I.A.7
Spring-run stream
Management/protection of the spring-run
stream community is excellent.
I.B.1
Kestrel: protection
Protection/preservation of the southeastern
American kestrel is exceptional.
I.B.1.a
Kestrel: inventory
Efforts to locate and identify southeastern
American kestrels are outstanding.
I.B.1.b
Kestrel: monitoring
Monitoring of the southeastern American
kestrel population is excellent.
I.B.2
Gopher tortoise: protection
Protection/preservation of the gopher tortoise
is exceptional.
I.B.2.a
Gopher tortoise: inventory
Efforts to locate and identify gopher tortoises
are outstanding.
I.B.2.b
Gopher tortoise: monitoring
Monitoring of the gopher tortoise population is
excellent.
I.B.3
Ichetucknee siltsnail:
Protection
Protection/preservation of the Ichetucknee
siltsnail is exceptional.
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III.A.1
Prescribed fire: area
The number of acres being burned through
prescribed fire is excellent.
III.A.1
Prescribed fire: frequency
The use of appropriate inter-fire intervals is
excellent.
III.A.3
Prescribed fire: quality
The quality of prescribed burns for community
maintenance and restoration is exceptional.
III.B.3
Restoration: spring head
Restoration of the springs, especially the
Ichetucknee spring head is outstanding.
III.B.4
Restoration: upland pine
Restoration of the upland pine area is
outstanding.
III.D.2.a
Non-native plants: control
The effort to control non-native invasive
plants on the property is outstanding.
III.D.2.b
Non-native plants:
the monitoring
Monitoring of non-native invasive plants on
property is outstanding.
III.I.1.a
Waste disposal
Waste disposal facilities are excellent.
IV.
Education/Public
Outreach
Park staff are doing an excellent job with
public education and community outreach.
Inadequate items:
Plan review
I.B.3.b
Monitoring of the Ichetucknee siltsnail should
be addressed in the plan update.
Ichetucknee siltsnail:
monitoring*
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. The Ichetucknee Siltsnail was first
identified in 1962. Monitoring of the
Ichetucknee Siltsnail last took place in 1989.
Establishment of a long-term monitoring
program for the siltsnail will be discussed in
the next updated plan.
II.C
The interpretation of cultural sites should be
addressed in the plan update.
Cultural interpretation*
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. Several archeological investigations
have been conducted since the last UMP. The
results of these studies and the interpretation
of cultural sites will be included in the next
updated plan.
III.F.1.a
The problem of poaching should be addressed
in the plan update.
Poaching*
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. The park boundaries are well marked
and poaching from the upland areas is not a
problem. However, the rules for “taking” from
the aquatic areas are not well posted and
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poaching of aquatic flora and fauna may be a
problem. This will be addressed in the next
updated plan.
III.F.1.b
Releasing gopher tortoises*
The problem of the public releasing off-site
gopher tortoises onto state land should be
addressed in the plan update.
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. This problem will be addressed in the
next updated plan.
III.F.1.c
The problem of trespassing should be
addressed in the plan update.
Trespassing*
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. This problem will be addressed in the
next updated plan.
III.H.1.a
The management problems/concerns
caused by dumping into sinks on adjacent
property should be addressed in the plan
update.
Adj. Property concerns:
Dumping in Sinks*
DRP RESPONSE:
III.H.1.b
Agree. This is a water quality protection issue
that will be addressed in the next updated plan.
Adj. Property concerns:
The management problems/concerns
Residential development
caused by residential development (burn
restrictions, release of exotics) should be
addressed in the plan update.
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. The management problems and
concerns caused by residential development
such as burn restrictions and the release of
exotic plants and animals will be addressed in
the next updated plan.
III.H.1.c
The management problems/concerns
caused by upstream impacts to groundwater
should be addressed in the plan update.
Adj. Property concerns:
Upstream groundwater*
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. This is a water quality protection issue
that will be addressed in the next updated plan.
III.H.2
Important inholdings and additions should be
addressed in the plan update.
Inholdings and additions
DRP RESPONSE:
Disagree. Important inholdings and
additions have already been identified in
the UMP.
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Inadequate items:
Field review
I.B.3.b
Monitoring of the Ichetucknee siltsnail should
be conducted.
Ichetucknee siltsnail:
monitoring*
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. See above comments on this item.
II.C
The interpretation of cultural sites is needed.
Cultural interpretation*
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. See above comments on this item.
III.E.2.a
Additional monitoring of ground water quality
is needed and should be conducted in
coordination with appropriate agencies.
Ground water quality
DRP RESPONSE:
Disagree. Monitoring of ground water
quality is an ongoing and long-term project.
III.F.1.a
Additional effort is needed to control poaching
on the property.
Poaching*
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. See above comments on this item.
III.F.1.b
Additional effort is needed to educate the
public and prevent the release of off-site
gopher tortoises onto state land.
Releasing gopher tortoises*
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. Additional efforts will be taken where
possible to minimize the release of off-site
gopher tortoises in the park.
III.F.1.c
Additional effort is needed to control
trespassing on the property.
Trespassing*
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. Efforts to minimize the problem of
trespassing will be increased.
III.H.1.a
Effort should be made to minimize the
management problems/concerns caused by
dumping into sinks on adjacent property.
Adj. Property concerns:
Dumping in sinks*
DRP RESPONSE:
Disagree. Park staff in conjunction with the Ichetucknee
Springs Water Quality Working Group initiated an
extensive public education program to inform residents
throughout the Ichetucknee Trace (headwaters of the
Ichetucknee) of the importance of protecting the sinkholes
from dumping. Actions taken include meetings
withlandowners, informational mailings, and cleanup
events in area sinkholes.
III.H.1.c
Effort should be made to minimize the
Adj. Property concerns:
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Upstream groundwater*
management problems/concerns caused by
upstream impacts to ground water.
DRP RESPONSE:
Disagree. Park staff in conjunction with the Ichetucknee
Springs Water Quality Working Group initiated an
extensive public education program to inform residents
throughout the Ichetucknee Trace (headwaters of the
Ichetucknee) of the importance of protecting surface and
groundwater. Actions taken include public meetings,
meetings with landowners, informational mailings, and
cleanup events in area
waterways.
III.I.1.b
Additional public restrooms are needed on the
south end of the park.
Sanitary facilities
DRP RESPONSE:
Disagree. The need for “additional sanitary
facilities” and “buildings” and the need for
“pavilions” must be considered within the
context of the entire park through the unit
planning process. Such facilities and
structures may be included in the UMP if
determined to be appropriate during the
planning process.
III.I.3.a
Additional buildings for staff and meetings are
needed.
Buildings
DRP RESPONSE:
Disagree. The need for “additional sanitary
facilities” and “buildings” and the need for
“pavilions” must be considered within the
context of the entire park through the unit
planning process. Such facilities and
structures may be included in the UMP if
determined to be appropriate during the
planning process.
III.I.3.b
Additional equipment, especially staff utility
vehicles, are needed.
Equipment
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. Additional equipment needs will be
identified in the plan. However, no
additional equipment can be purchased at
this or any park unit unless funding for the
additional equipment is appropriated by the
Legislature or reassigned from other units.
This latter action is not appropriate at this
time.
III.I.3.c
Additional pavilions/visitor center are needed
on the north and south ends.
Pavilions
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DRP RESPONSE:
III.I.4
Disagree. The need for “additional sanitary
facilities” and “buildings” and the need for
“pavilions” must be considered within the
context of the entire park through the unit
planning process. Such facilities and
structures may be included in the UMP if
determined to be appropriate during the
planning process.
Additional staff are needed for all aspects of
property management.
Staff
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. Additional staff are needed for all
aspects of property management. However,
no new staff can be assigned to this or any
park unit unless the new positions are
appropriated by the Legislature or
reassigned from other units. This latter
action is not appropriate at this time
according to Division staff allocation
research. Additional staff is needed by our
parks statewide which is why we regularly
seek positions, volunteers, and partners to
help us overcome staff deficiencies.
III.I.5
Additional funding is needed for resource
management.
Funding
DRP RESPONSE:
Inadequate items:
V.B.2
Agree. More funding is needed, especially
for resource management. Additional
funds will be pursued, but funding is
contingent on DRP and DEP budget
resources and priorities and also on
legislative action.
Field review
Interpretive site
Exisiting and Proposed Uses
The team recommended that the proposed
interpretive facilities at the old still site not be
constructed.
DRP RESPONSE:
Disagree. The decision to include
recreational facilities, such as the proposed
interpretive site, is a function that is more
appropriately carried out through the unit
planning process. We believe it is beyond
the scope of the LMR to make
recommendations of this type.
V.B.5
The team recommended that the horseback
Horseback riding
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riding not be allowed in the park.
DRP RESPONSE:
Disagree. The decision to include
recreational activities, such as horseback
riding, is a function that is more
appropriately carried out through the unit
planning process. We believe it is beyond
the scope of the LMR to make
recommendations of this type.
Recommendations to the managing agency
The following recommendations resulted from a discussion and vote of review team members.
1.
For traffic safety reasons, the team recommends moving the north entrance, during peak
season, from the current entrance gate to the old CR 238 entrance.
DRP RESPONSE:
2.
DRP should better define property boundaries on the SW corner and NE corner above
CR 238.
DRP RESPONSE:
3.
Agree. The aquatic cave should be properly monitored and
inspected for vandalism and disturbances. However,
adequate funding and staff will be appropriated in order to
conduct regular surveys of the aquatic cave.
The team recommends additional pavilions at the north and south entrance.
DRP RESPONSE:
5.
Agree. The boundary of the property above CR 238 should
be properly defined.
DRP needs to periodically site inspect the aquatic cave for vandalism and disturbance.
DRP RESPONSE:
4.
Disagree. The existing UMP addresses this problem. On
pages 73 and 75 of the plan it already recommends
relocating the park entrance in order to create stacking
space for automobiles entering the park and finds that the
change would also improve the function of the main park
road by allowing smoother circulation to and from the
parking area. Any further consideration of this matter
should appropriately be addressed and resolved during the
UMP planning process.
Disagree. See comments above under III.I.3.c.
The team recognizes a need for additional career service staff, including a full-time
biologist, resident law enforcement, and park rangers.
DRP RESPONSE:
Agree. See comments above under III.I.4.
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Commendations to the managing agency
There has been a remarkable improvement and restoration implemented by park staff since
1970, of the natural resources.
1.
Is the land being managed for the purpose for which it was acquired?
All team members agreed that Ichetucknee Springs State Park is being managed
for the purpose for which it was acquired.
2.
Are actual management practices, including public access, in compliance with the
management plan?
All team members agreed that actual management practices, including public
access, were in compliance with the management plan for this site.
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